/ 


'^^;^7^tZ2^/A^  "^/^ 


CELEBRATION 


OF    THE 


INTRODUCTION  OF  WATER, 


INTO    THE 


CITY  OF   BOSTON, 


OCTOBER,  25,  1848. 


F7 


CELEBRATION 


INTRODUCTION 


WATER  OE  COCHITUATE  LAKE 


INTO    THE 


CITY     OF     BOSTON 


OCTOBEE  25.  1848. 


BOSTON: 

J.  H.  EASTBURN,  CITY  PRINTER. 


^  >  s 

5  y  1 

hi 


CITY    OF    BOSTON. 

In  Board  of  Jildermen,  Monday,  Oct.  20th,  1848. 

Ordered, — That  Aldermen  Rogers  and  Ober,  with  such  others  as 
the  Common  Council  may  join,  be  a  Committee,  with  full  power,  to  pre- 
pare and  publish  an  account  of  the  Water  Celebration  on  the  25th  inst. ; 
and  that,  for  this  purpose,  they  request  of  his  Honor,  the  Mayor,  and  the 
Hon.  Nathan  Hale,  copies  of  the  Address  and  Report  delivered  by  them 
on  that  occasion. 

Sent  down  for  concurrence. 

♦  JOSIAH  QUINCY,  Jr.,  Mayor. 


In  Common  Council,  JVovember  2d,  1848. 

Read  and  concurred,  and  Messrs.  Marvin,  Gushing  and  Blanchard  were 
joined. 

BENJAMIN  SEAVER,  President. 


V 


WATER  CELEBRATION. 


The  Water  Commissioners  having  announced  to  the 
City  Council,  that  the  Aqueduct  from  Lake  Cochituate  to 
the  reservoir  and  gate  house  in  Brookline,  would  be  com- 
pleted, and  that  the  main  pipe  for  conducting  the  water 
thence  to  the  City,  would  be  laid  on  or  before  the  25th 
day  of  October,  and  would  be  in  readiness  for  introducing 
the  water  of  the  lake  into  the  City,  on  that  day,  a  joint 
order  of  the  two  Boards  was  passed,  directing  an  appro- 
priate public  celebration  of  the  event,  and  appointing  a 
joint  Committee  to  arrange  and  superintend  the  celebra- 
tion.    The  Committee  consisted  of 


JosiAH  Q,uiNCY,  Jk.,  Mayor. 

Benjamin  Seaver,  President  of  Common  Council. 

William  Pope,       ^     ai^^^^-,.^     ^ion^  P.   Ober, 

Moses  Grant, 


Billings  Briggs 


,] 


Aldermen. 


Abel  B.  Munroe,  Ward  1 

Henry  Davis,  "  2 

Thomas  Critchett,  "  3 

Samuel  W.  Hall,  "  4 

W.  W.  Greenough,  "  4 

Wm.  D.  Coolidge,  "  5 

John  P.  Putnam,  "  6 


Josiah  P.  Bradlee, 
Wm.  A.  Harrington, 
Tisdale  Drake, 
Samuel  Wales,  Jr., 
G.  W.  Frothingham, 
Joseph  Smith, 
of  the  Comtnon  Council 


ar 

d7 

8 

9 

10 

11 

12 

4  CITYOFBOSTON 

The  Committee  resolved,  as  an  appropriate  form  of 
celebration,  to  invite  the  citizens  of  the  metropolis,  with 
such  of  the  public  officers,  the  municipal  authorities,  the 
militia,  various  public  bodies,  and  institutions  of  the 
Commonwealth,  as  might  be  disposed  to  accept  the  invi- 
tation, to  unite  in  a  procession,  embracing  a  cavalcade  and 
military  escort,  and  to  be  present  on  the  introduction  of 
the  water  at  the  Fountain,  on  the  Common. 

The  citizens  cordially  responded  to  the  invitation,  and 
they  were  joined  by  great  numbers  of  their  fellow-citizens 
from  all  parts  of  the  State,  who  came  to  offer  their  sym- 
pathy on  the  joyful  occasion.  The  usual  avocations 
were  suspended,  in  token  of  the  common  rejoicing  in  the 
accomplishment  of  a  great  and  useful  enterprise,  and  a 
vast  concourse  of  citizens  and  strangers  assembled,  to 
unite  in  the  procession,  and  to  be  witnesses  of  its  pro- 
gress, and  of  the  event  to  be  commemorated. 

The  day  opened  propitiously  by  beautiful  weather, 
after  a  heavy  rain  during  the  night,  disappointing  the 
gloomy  anticipations  of  the  preceding  day.  The  dis- 
charge of  artillery,  at  break  of  day,  was  the  appointed 
signal  that  the  celebration  would  proceed — as  orders  had 
been  given  for  its  postponement,  in  case  the  weather 
should  prove  inclement — and  a  salute  of  one  hundred  guns 
opened  the  ceremonies  of  the  day,  accompanied  by  the 
ringing  of  the  bells  of  the  City. 

At  an  early  hour  the  streets  were  filled  with  people,  at- 
tracted by  the  decorations,  mottoes,  and  devices,  by  which 
the  principal  avenues  through  which  the  procession  was 
to  pass  were  embellished.  These  were  very  numerous, 
and  were  well  arranged,  and  in  good  taste,  and  some  of 
them  extremely  beautiful.  Among  them  were  the  fol- 
lowing. 

The  gateways  to  the  Common  were  surmounted  with 
arches,  on  which  were  the  following  appropriate  mottoes 
and  devices  : — 

At  the  corner  of  Park  and  Tremont  streets — 


WATER     CELEBRATION.  O 

"Watetj  introduced  into  the  City,  Oct.  25tli,  1848 — 
JosiAH  Quincy,  Jr.,  Muyor," — with  .  a  fountain  in  the  centre, 
surmounted  by  a  pyramid  of  evergreens  and  flowers.     Reverse — 

"  Praise  and  adoration  be  given  unto  Him  who  vis- 

ITETH  THE  EaRTH  AND  WATERETH  IT." 

At  the  corner  of  Beacon  and  Charles  streets — 
"  Streams    shall  run  in  our  streets  and  play  about 
OUR  DWELLINGS."     "Wreath  in  the  centre.     Reverse — 

"  Sweet  waters  shall  flow  in  upon  us,  and  bitter 
waters  be  driven  out." 

At  the  corner  of  Boylston  and  Charles  streets — ^ 

"  The  WATER    SHALL    BE  AS    A    FOUNTAIN  TO  FERTILIZE  THE 

VALLEY."     Reverse — 

"The  Springs  of  the  hills  have  come  unto  us  to  re- 
fresh us." 

At  the  corner  of  Boylston  and  Tremont  streets— 
"Rejoice,   for    the  rock   has  been    smitten  and    the 
WATERS  have  GUSHED  OUT."     Reverse — 

"  Water  shall  run  in  dry  places  and  the  thirsty 
shall  drink  thereof  and    be  glad." 

In  the  Frog  Pond,  a  commodious  stand  was  erected, 
decked  with  evergreens  and  flowers,  on  which  were  mot- 
toes as  follows : — 

"The  Lord  spake.  Gather  the  people  together  and 
I  WILL  GIVE  them  WATER:  Numb.  xxi.  16." 

"  We  have  found  water  :  Gen.  xxvi.  32." 

"  The  water  is  ours  :  Gen.  xxvi.  20." 

"  Ye  shall  serve  the  Lord  your  God,  and  He  shall 
bless  thy  bread  and  thy  water  :  Exod.  xxiii.  25." 

"Jesus  saith.  Fill  the  water  pots  with  water  :  John 
ii.  7." 

Along  the  line  of  the  procession  ropes  had  been  stretch- 
ed across  the  streets,  from  each  of  which  was  suspended 
a  white  tablet,  fringed  and  festooned  with  evergreens,  and 
flanked  on  either  side  by  an  American  flag.  Each  tab- 
let bore  an  inscription,  and  these  inscriptions,  taken  in 
connection,  gave  a  brief  history  of  the  events  connected 
with  the  introduction  of  the  water  from  Cochituate  Lake 
into  the  City.  The  first  was  suspended  across  Tremont 
street,  from  the  Tremont  House,  and  bore  the  following 
words : 


6  CITYOFBOSTON 

"  A  loud  call  from  the  people  for  pure  water !  Cry  heard  by 
Hon.  Josiah  Quincy,  Mayor,  1825." 

The  second  across  Court  street,  near  Sudbury. — "  Correspon- 
dence commences  with   Daniel  Treadwell,  Civil  Engineer,  1825.% 

The  third,  across  Bowdoin  square,  from  the  E-evere  House  to 
the  Bowdoin  square  Church, — "  Hon.  Theodore  Lyman,  Jr.,  re- 
commended the  introduction  of  pure  water  into  the  City,  Jan.  1834." 

The  fourth,  across  Chambers  street,  at  the  corner  of  Green, — 
"  Loammi  Baldwin,  Esq.,  reports  to  the  City  Council  on  the  sub- 
ject of  supplying  the  City  with  water,  October,  1834." 

The  fifth  across  Merrimac  street, — "  Report  made  to  the  Hon. 
S.  T.  Armstrong,  Mayor,  by  R.  H.  Eddy,  Civil  Engineer,  on  the 
subject  of  introducing  water  into  the  City,  June  1836." 

The  sixth, — "  Daniel  Treadwell,  James  F.  Baldwin,  and  Na- 
than Hale,  Esqs.,  appointed  commissioners  to  examine  the  sources 
from  which  water  could  be  obtained.     Report  made  Nov.  1837." 

The  seventh, — "  Hon.  Samuel  A.  Eliot,  Mayor,  in  behalf  of  the 
committee  of  the  City  Council,  recommends  the  introduction  of 
water  into  the  City,  January  1838." 

The  eighth,  across  Commercial  street  from  Quincy  Market ; — 
"  The  inhabitants  petition  the  City  Government  for  a  supply  of 
pure  water,  Feb.  1838." 

From  Faneuil  Hall  to  the  buildings  around,  were  ropes  from 
which  were  suspended  the  flags  of  different  nations. 

Suspended  across  State  street,  from  the  Merchants'  Exchange, 
was  an  entablature  with : — "  The  Mayor  authorized  by  the  City 
Government  to  apply  to  the  Legislature  for  powers  to  bring  water 
into  the  City,  April,  1838." 

The  tenth  across  Washington  street,  from  Marlboro'  Hotel : — 
"  Petition  presented  by  the  City  Government  to  the  Legislature, 
for  an  act  to  introduce  water  into  the  City,  January,  1840." 

The  eleventh,  across  Washington  street  from  the  Adams  House, 
"  City  of  Boston  authorized,  by  an  act  of  the  Legislature  to  bring 
water  from  Long  Pond,  March  30th,  1846." 

The  twelfth  across  Washington  street  from  Boylston  Market, — 
"  Act  of  the  Legislature  adopted  by  the  citizens  April  13th,  1846. 
Vote,  4637  yeas,  to  348  nays." 

The  thirteenth,  across  Washington  street,  near  Warren, — "  Na- 
than Hale,  James  F.  Baldwin  and  Thomas  B.  Curtis.  Esqs.,  chos- 
en Water  Commissioners,  May  5,  1846." 

The  fourteenth,  and  last,  across  Tremont  street,  below  the  Com- 
mon, "  Ground  broken  at  Cochituate  Lake  by  the  Hon.  Josiah 
Quincy,  Jr.,  August  20th,  1846." 

Across   Tremont  street,  Mr.   Kimball,  of  the  Musemn, 


'       WATER     CELEBRATION.  / 

had  erected  a  splendid  Moorish  arch,  handsomely  decora- 
ted, and  bearing  the  following  inscriptions  : — 

"  Odk  best  water  brought  in   conduits  hither." 

Shakspeare. 

"  Here's  water,  look  tou."    "  How   avill  I   rain  the 

WATER." 

"  There  will  be  a  world  of  water  shed." — Shakspeare. 

The  Tremont  House,  Engine  House,  No.  18,  the  Re- 
vere House,  parts  of  Blackstone  and  Hanover  streets, 
Simmons's  Clothing  store  over  the  Market,  Faneuil  Hall, 
the  old  State  House,  and  many  other  places,  were  hand- 
somely decorated  with  flags. 

The  house  of  Moses  Grant,  Esq.,  in  Cambridge  street 
was  tastefully  embellished  with  flags  and  mottoes.  On 
the  right  was  the  inscription — 

"Long  looked  for  come  at  last." 
On  the  left— 

"  Now  BE  OUR  DRINK  CoCHITUATE  WATER  CLEAR." 

Through  all  the  seasons  of  the  rolling  year." 

Across  Hanover  street,  from  the  church  of  Rev.  Dr.  Park- 
man,  was  the  inscription — 

"Pure  water  the  gift  of  Heaven." 

Warren  Street  chapel,  also  on  the  line  of  the  proces- 
sion, was  very  appropriately  dressed.  Upon  banners  hang- 
ing from  the  windows,  were  the  inscriptions — 

"  Peace,"  "  Love,"  "  Liberty,"  "  Holiness." 

The  procession,  which  was  arranged  Avith  great  judg- 
ment and  conducted  with  admirable  order  and  regularity, 
was  under  the  direction  of  Francis  Tukey,  Esq,,,  as 
Chief  Marshal  for  the  day,  assisted  by  the  following  Aids 
and  Assistant  Marshals. 


Gen.  John  S.  Tyler, 
Gen.  Josiah  L.  C.  Amee, 
Col.  William  Schouler, 
John  T.  Heard, 
Henry  N.  Hooper, 


George  G.  Smith, 

Col.  Newell  A.  Thompson, 

John  C.  Tucker, 

Moses  Kimball, 

Capt.  Robert  B.  Forbes, 


CITY     OF     BOSTON 


Dr.  J.  W.  Warren, 
Capt.  Gilbert  Brownell, 
Hon.  John  C.  Park, 


Peter  C.  Jones, 
Gideon  F.  Thayer, 
Ebenezer  Dale. 


THE    FOLLOWING    WAS    THE    ORDER    OF    PROCESSION. 

Isti     The  Military  Escort. 

This  consisted  of  the  Light  Infantry  and  Rifle  Compa- 
nies of  the  City,  and  of  a  large  number  of  corps  from  the 
neighboring  cities  and  towns,  numbering  in  all  about  thir- 
ty companies,  under  the  command  of  Gen.  B.  F.  Edmands. 

The  companies  generally  appeared  with  full  ranks,  and 
exhibited  a  fine  appearance,  and  an  admirable  state  of  dis- 
cipline. So  fine  a  military  display  has  not  been  exhibit- 
ed in  the  Commonwealth  for  many  years. 

2d.  The  Fire  Companies  of  the  City,  and  of  many  of 
the  neighboring  cities  and  towns,  dressed  in  their  varied 
uniforms  and  carrying  their  respective  banners  and  badg- 
es. They  exhibited  a  numerous  body  of  active  and 
spirited  men,  always  on  the  alert  at  the  cry  of  danger. 

3d.  The  Cavalcade,  consisting  of  a  very  numerous 
body  of  horsemen,  well  mounted  on  beautiful  horses, 
skilfully  matched  and  marshalled,  and  presenting  a  very 
attractive  appearance. 

4th.     The  Civil  Procession. 


division   one, 

Under  the  direction  of 

Hon.  JOHN  C.  PAEK,  Chief  Marshal. 

Aid  Aid 

Edmund  Dexter,  Esq.  Charles  L.  Woodbury,  Esq. 

CONSISTING    OF 

Marshals.  Mayor  of  Boston.  Marshals. 

Committee  of  Arrangements. 

Water  Committee. 

Water  Commissioners  and  Engineers. 

Military.  Military. 

Presidents  of  the  Common  Council. 

Membei's  of  the  Common  Council. 

High  Sheriffs  of  the  State. 

His  Excellency  the  Governor  and  Suite  and  Adjutant  General. 

His  Honor  the  Lieut.  Governor  and  Executive  Council  of 

Massachusetts. 


WATER     CELEBRATION.  y 

President  of  Harvard  University. 
Their  Excellencies  the  Governors  of  States,  and  their  respective 

Suites. 
Adjutant  Generals. 
Their  Honors  the   Lieut.  Governors  and  Executive  Councils  of 
the  States  of  Maine,  New  Hampshire,  Vermont,  Rhode 
Island,  and  Connecticut. 
Senators  and  Representatives  in   Congress  from  the   States  of 
Maine,  New  Hampshire,  Vermont,  Rhode  Island,  and 
Connecticut. 
President  of  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  Massa- 
chusetts. 
Land  Agents,  with  Secretary  and  Treasurer  of  Commonwealth. 

Foreign  Consuls. 

City    Clerk,   Treasurer,   Auditor,    Solicitor,    Clerk   of  Common 

Council,  and  City  Printer. 

City  Assessors. 

Past  Mayors,  Past  Aldermen,  and  Past  Presidents  of  the  Common 

Council. 

Past  "Water  Committees  of  the  Common  Council. 

School  Committees. 

Port  and  Consulting  Physicians. 

Superintendents  of  the  Buildings,  Lamps,   Streets,  Sewers  and 

Burials. 
Overseers  of  the  Poor. 
Directors,  Masters,  Chaplains,  and  Clerks  of  Houses  of  Correc- 
tion, Industry,  and  Reformation. 
Superintendents  of  the  Lunatic  Hospital,  and  of  Deer  Island. 
Clerks  of  Quincy  Hall  Market,  and  other  Clerks  of  the  City 
Government. 
Deputy  City  Marshal  and  Messenger  of  the  Common   Council. 
Sergeant  at  Arms. 
Senators  and  Representatives  of  the  Massachusetts  Legislature. 
Warden  and  Chaplain  of  the  State  Prison. 
Commissioner  of  Alien  Passengers  and  Harbor  Master. 
Society  of  Cincinnati. 
Officers  of  the  Army  and  Navy. 
Officers  and  Soldiers  of  the  Revolution  in  Carriages. 
Aid.  United  States  Marshal.  Aid. 

Judges  and  Clerks  of  the  United  States  Court. 
Commissioners  of  United  States  Circuit  Court. 
Post  Master  and  United  States  Attorney. 
Treasurer  and  Collector  of  the  Port  and  Capt.  of  Revenue  Cutter. 
Naval  Officer  and  Surveyor  of  the  Port. 
Navy  Agent  and  Storekeeper  and  other  U.  S.  Civil  Officers. 
Judges  and  Clerks  of  the  State,  County,  and  City  Courts,  Judges 
of  Probate  and  Registers  of  Deeds. 
District  Attorneys  throughout  the  Commonwealth. 
The  Reverend  Clergy. 
The  Medical  Faculty. 
Editors  of  Newspapers  throughout  New  England. 
Members  of  the  Bar  throughout  the  State. 


10 


CITY     OF     BOSTON 


Deputy  Sheriffs. 

Authorities  of  the  Towns  through  which  the  Aqueduct  passes. 

City  Government  of  Salem. 

City  Government  of  Lowell. 

City  Government  of  Cambridge. 

City  Government  of  Roxbury. 

City  Government  of  Charlestown. 

City  Government  of  New  Bedford. 

City  Government  of  Worcester. 

Officers  and  Government  of  Harvard  University. 

Students  of  Harvard  University. 

Mercantile  Library  Association. 

Scientific,  Historical,  Musical,  and  other  Societies. 

DIVISION     TWO, 

Under  the  direction  of 

GEORGE  G.  SMITH,  Chief  Marshal. 

Aid  Aid 

Capt.  Granville  Mears,  Joseph  M.  Wightman, 

CONSISTING    OF 

Massachusetts  Charitable  Mechanic  Association, 
Franklin  Typographical  Society. 

In  this  part  of  the  procession  was  displayed  a  printing 
press,  the  operations  of  which  were  carried  ,pn  by  a  full 
corps  of  compositors  and  pressmen.  Mr.  Samuel  Hay- 
ward,  a  veteran  printer,  was  employed  in  setting  the 
types.  There  were  three  presses  on  the  stand  ;  one  a 
power  press,  of  Adams  &  Co.'s  manufacture,  and  two 
hand  presses.  The  whole  mounted  on  a  carriage  drawn 
by  four  horses.  The  following  song  was  struck  off  and 
distributed  as  the  car  moved  on, 

A    S  ONG 
FOR    THE    MERRY-MAKING    ON  WATER    DAY. 

BY    A    MEMBER    OF    THE     FRANKLIN    TYPOGRAPHICAL    SOCIETY. 

Away,  away,  with  care  to-day  ! 

There's  naught  but  joy  before  us  ; 
A  gladsome  shout  from  the  mass  goes  out. 

And  we  will  join  the  chorus. 

All  hearts  are  glad,  each  face  is  clad 

In  smiles  delightful  beaming  ; 
There  's  music  rare  on  the  autumn  air, 

And  banners  gay  are  streaming. 

The  axe  is  still,  the  loom,  the  mill ; 

The  miser  quits  his  treasure  ; 
And  every  trade,  it  seems  has  made 

A  business  now  of  pleasure. 


WATER     CELEBRATION. 

And  Ibeauty  bright  doth  shed  its  light 

To  glad  the  blest  occasion, 
And  hearts  to-day  surrender  may 

To  coveted  invasion. 

Thisis.no  meed  for  gallant  deed 
Achieved  'mid  fields  of  slaughter ; 

Voice,  bell,  and  flame,  with  joy  complain 
The  Advent  Day  of  Water"! 

Cochituate,  inspired  of  late 

By  something  like  ambition, 
Left  its  still  home  to  hither  roam 

Upon  a  blessed  mission  : 

It  passed  along  with  gladsome  song, 
The  meadows  smiled  to  greet  it ; 

And  as  each  day  it  n  eared  this  way, 
Our  spirits  sprang  to  meet  it. 

Its  journey  passed,  't  is  here  at  last, 

And  hailed  with  acclamation  ; 
And  every  tongue  shall  swell  the  song, 

Whate'er  its  rank  or  station. 

The  thirsty  mart  feels  through  its  heart 

The  mighty  current  quiver. 
Through  streets  and  lanes,  in  iron  veins, 

A  subterranean  river. 

Unseen  it  comes  to  all  our  homes. 

To  cheer  the  high  and  lowly  ; 
Like  gifts  from  heaven,  iinknown  when  given, 

But  through  their  influence  holy. 

Exuberaixt  force  impels  its  course, 

It  rushes  wildly  onward ; 
Its  fountain  spray  darts  high  away 

In  jets  fantastic  sunward. 

Hail,  hopeful  stream !  from  thy  bright  gleam 

Our  hearts  reflect  the  omen. 
That  water's  want  no  more  will  haunt 

The  thirsty  man  or  woman. 

Then  let  us  join  in  nine  times  nine, 

To  greet  the  scene  before  us  ; 
And  to  the  skies  let  shouts  arise, 

A  universal  chorus. 

And  ever  may  we  bless  the  day 
When  Boston's  sons  and  daughters, 

Came  up  elate  to  celebrate 
The  Advent  of  the  Waters. 


11 


13  CITYOFBOSTON 

Boston  Charitable  Association  of  Master  "[failors. 

Shipwrights  and  Caulkers  of  Boston  and  Charlestown. 

Occupants  of  Quincy  Market. 

Occupants  of  Boylston  and  other  Markets  of  Boston  and  vicinity. 

Mechanic  Apprentices'  Library  Association. 

Worcester  County  Mechanics'  Association. 

Salem  Charitable  Mechanics'  Association. 

The  different  sections  of  this  division  exhibited  appro- 
priate emblems  of  their  various  occupations  ;  the  Tailors 
displayed  a  representation  of  Adam  and  Eve,  as  a  speci- 
men of  the  human  race  before  the  invention  of  their  craft. 
The  occupants  of  the  Markets  had  a  stall  fitted  up  in 
a  most  tempting  manner,  with  meat,  game,  fruit,  and 
vegetables,  all  of  the  finest  kind.  A  car  filled  with  young 
girls  represented  the  manufactory  of  artificial  flowers.  A 
ship  rigged  and  manned,  and  other  devices  and  emblems, 
too  numerous  to  be  described,  came  into  this  part  of  the 
procession,  the  whole  line  of  which  was  marked  by  an 
endless  and  most  tasteful  variety  of  banners. 


DIVISION    THREE. 

Under  the  direction  of 
CoL.  NEWELL  A.  THOMPSON,  Chief  Marshal. 
Aid  Aid 

Maj.  George  M.  Thatcher,  Hamilton  Willis, 

CONSISTING   OF 

Masonic  Fraternity, 
Grand  Lodge,  Grand  and  Subordinate  Encampments,  and  Sub- 
ordinate Lodges  throughout  the  States  of  Massachusetts, 
Maine,  New  Hampshire,  Vermont,  Ehode  Island, 
and  Connecticut. 
Ancient  Order  of  Druids. 
Council  of  the  Star  in  the  East. 

The  ranks  of  this  division  were  very  full,  and  made  a 
most  gorgeous  display  of  banners  and  emblems. 


DIVISION     FOUR. 

Under  the  direction  of 
JOHN  C.  TUCKEE,  Chief  Marshal. 
Aid  Aid 

James  Egan,  Esq.  Peter  Higgins, 

CONSISTING   OF 


Scots'  Charitable  Society. 
Irish  Catholic  Society. 


WATER      CELEBRATION.  13 

Roman  Catholic  Mutual  Relief  Society. 

Young  Catholic  Friends  Society. 

St.  Mary's  Mutual  Benevolent  Total  Abstinence  Society. 

Irish  Protestant  Mutual  Relief  Society. 

Father  Matthew  Mutual  Benevolent  Total  Abstinence  Society. 

United  Shamrock  Society. 

St.  John's  Temperance  Society. 

St.  Nicholas  Temperance  Society. 

St.  Augustine's  Temperance  Society. 

South  Boston  Young  Catholic  Friend  Society. 

All  these  societies  were  in  very  full  numbers,  and  with 
their  appropriate  banners  and  badges,  made  a  very  strik- 
ing appearance. 

DIVISION    FIVE. 

Under  the  direction  of 

MOSES  KIMBALL,  Chief  Marshal. 

Aid  Aid 

Dr.  D.  Harwood,  Amos  W.  Dana, 

CONSISTING   OF 

Massachusetts  Temperance  Society. 

Massachusetts  Temperance  Union. 

Boston  Temperance  Union. 

Washington  Total  Abstinence  Society. 

North  End  Total  Abstinence  Society. 

Young  Men's  Temperance  Society. 

South  End  Total  Abstinence  Society. 

Independent  Order  of  Rechabites. 

Templars  of  Honor  of  the  Sons  of  Temperance. 

General  and  Subordinate  Divisions  of  the  Sons  of  Temperance 

and    Cadets  of  Temperance  throughout  the  States   of 

Massachusetts,  Maine,  New  Hampshire,  Vermont, 

Rhode  Island  and  Connecticut. 

In  this  division,  the  Cadets  of  Temperance,  a  large  ar- 
my of  temperance  boys,  dressed  in  uniform,  and  the  Sons 
of  Temperance  were  out,  in  very  great  numbers,  with 
beautiful  banners  designating  their  respective  encamp- 
ments. The  various  Temperance  associations  all  appear- 
ed with  full  ranks,  and  made  a  most  appropriate  and  im- 
pressive show. 

In  the  centre  of  the  Temperance  section  was  a  banner 
upon  which  appeared  the  "  Pledge"  in  full,  upon  a  scroll, 
motto,  "  Boston."  The  Shakspeare  Division,  Sons  of 
Temperance,  bore  a  superb  banner  of  scarlet  velvet,  fring- 


14  CITYOFBOSTON 

ed  with  gold  and  lined  with  white  satin.  On  the  front, 
"  Shakspeare  46."  Reverse,  white  satin  "  Boston."  The 
banner  draped  with  yellow  satin,  and  trimmed  elegantly 
with  tassels  and  heavy  ornaments.  A  rich  bible  and 
costly  silver  salver  were  borne  in  the  ranks  of  this  society. 

DIVISION    SIX. 

Under  the  direction  of 
Capt.  ROBERT  B.  FORBES,  Chief  Marshal. 
Aid  Aid 

Thomas  Motley,  Jr.  "William  B.  Bemis, 

CONSISTING    OF 

Boston  Marine  Society. 

Seamen's  Friend  Society. 

Boston  Port  Society. 

Salem  East  India  Marine  Society. 

Other  societies  for  the  Improvement  and  Relief  of  Seamen  in 

Boston,  Salem,  New  Bedford,  and  vicinity. 

Commissioners  of  Boston  Pilots. 

Boston  Pilots. 

Reverend  Clergy  of  Seamen's  Churches. 

Captains  and  other  Officers  of  vessels  in  port. 

United  States,  and  other   Seamen  in  port,  with  flag  and  ship  on 

platform  drawn  by  horses. 

Boat  Clubs  of  Boston  and  vicinity. 

Shipping  Masters  and  Landlords  of  Seamen's  Houses,   Officers 

and  Crews  of  British  Steamer  and  other  foreign  vessels  in  port. 

Officers  and  Crew  of  the  Revenue  Cutter  Hamilton. 

In  this  division  the  Boston  Port  Society  bore  a  banner 
with  a  device  representing  a  sailor  pointing  upward,  and 
the  motto,  "  Sure  guide  to  happiness." 

The  Salem  East  India  Marine  and  the  Old  Marine  So- 
cieties bore  in  their  ranks  the  old  Palanquin,  which  has  not 
been  before  seen  in  public  for  about  forty  years.  This  was 
carried  by  six  stout  negro  bearers,  dressed  in  white  orien- 
tal costume,  with  white  turbans.  Inside  was  a  fair  young 
boy  reclining  in  oriental  style. 

In  a  carriage,  drawn  by  four  fine  horses,  was  a  large, 
full-rigged  model  of  the  famous  and  fortunate  privateer, 
the  Grand  Turk,  celebrated  in  the  last  war  with  Eng- 
land, by  her  successful  operations. 


WATER     CELKBRATION 


15 


DIVISION     SEVEN. 

Under  the  direction  of 

GIDEON  F.  THAYER,  Chief  Marshal. 

Aid  Aid 

B.  B.  Mussey,  Abel  Tompkins, 

CONSISTING    OF 

Citizen's  Water  Committee  of  1844. 

Union  Water  Convention  of  1845. 

Ward  Water  Unions  of  the  several  Wards. 

Natives  of  Boston  residents  in  other  places. 

Handel  and  Haydn  Society. 

Citizens  in  Wards,  beginning  with  Ward  One. 

Resident  and  Assistant  Engineers  of  the  Water  Works. 

Superintendents  of  Masonry. 
Contractor,  Inspectors,  and  Masons  on  the  Water  Works. 


Two  of  the  largest  sized  Water  Pipes,  mounted  on  a 
platform,  and  drawn  by  seven  superb  black  horses,  grac- 
ed this  part  of  the  procession.  On  one  of  these  was  in- 
scribed : 

"  First  pipe  laid  April  19th,  1848." 

On  the  other  : 

"Water  introduced  into  the  city  Oct.  25,  1848." 

Not  far  from  this  was  a  bricklayer's  platform,  with  the 
appropriate  implements  of  their  trade ;  followed  by  a  host 
of  the  Cochituate  workmen.  These  made  a  very  neat 
appearance  in  a  uniform  and  appropriata  costume  of 
checked  shirts  with  neat  white  collars. 


division  eight. 

Under  direction  of 

EBENEZER  DALE,  Chief  Marshal. 

Aid  Aid 

Daniel  Sharp,  Jr.  Henry  C.  Wainwright. 

CONSISTING    OF 

Children  of  the  Boston,  Charlestown,  Cambridge,  Roxbury,  and 
Chelsea;  Pupils  of  the  Public  Latin,  High,  and  Grammar 
Schools,  and  of  the  Farm  School,  with  their  Teachers  ;  Children 
of  the  Orphan  Asylums  ;  Floral  Procession  without  carriages,  un- 
der the  direction  of  the  Rev.  Charles  F.  Barnard,  and  Sisters  of 
Charity,  with  children  over  eight  years  of  age. 

The  various  parts  of  this  division  met  at  the  stations 
appointed  for  them,  and  formed  on  the  Common  at  the 
places  designated  when  they  received  the  procession  on 


16  CITYOFBOSTON 

its  arrival  at  the   Common.     This  was  one  of  the  most 
interesting  portions  of  the  show  of  the  day. 

THE  FIRE  DEPARTMENT 

Under  the  direction  of 
PETER  C.  JONES,  Chief  Marshal, 
Aid,  Aid, 

Thomas  A.  Williams,  Henry  Hart, 

The  Members  of  the  Fire  Department  assembled  in 
very  great  numbers,  and  took  their  stations  at  the  head  of 
the  procession  as  a  part  of  the  escort.  They  were  in  uni- 
form, with  banners, — each  company  preceding  its  engine. 
The  Engines  and  Carriages  of  Hook  and  Ladder  Compa- 
nies, were  each  drawn  by  two  horses.  The  engines  were 
beautifully  ornamented  with  wreaths  and  flowers.  Nu- 
merous companies  of  firemen  from  other  towns  in  the 
State  were  present,  preceded  by  the  Veterans  of  this  City. 
There  were  companies  present  from  Brookline,  South  Bos- 
ton, Charlestown,  Chelsea,  Lowell,  Newton,  Natick,  Wa- 
tertown,  Quincy,  Randolph,  &c.,  and  also  from  the  neigh- 
boring States :  all  without  their  engines,  but  in  uniform, 
with  beautiful  banners.  These  companies  were  com- 
posed of  hardy  young  men,  dressed  in  a  great  variety  of 
showy  costume,  who  made  a  very  brilliant  and  imposing 
appearance.  The  Lafayette  Company,  No.  18,  were  at- 
tended by  their  faithful  old  dog  Tiger,  dressed  in  gala 
colors,  and  appearing  as  much  in  his  element  as  any  of 
his  associates,  with  whom  he  has  attended  most  fires  that 
have  occurred  in  the  City  for  a  number  of  years. 

A  boys'  fire  engine,  drawn  by  two  very  small  ponies, 
attracted  a  good  deal  of  attention. 

The  Military  escort  presented  a  fine  appearance,  from 
the  variety  and  beauty  of  the  uniform  and  equipments,  of 
the  troops,  as  well  as  their  superior  discipline,  and  made  a 
very  fine  show.  A  review  of  the  troops  by  the  Governor 
took  place  on  the  Common  at  twelve  o'clock,  previous  to 
the  moving  of  the  procession.  This  review  presented 
perhaps  as  fine  a  military  display  as  ever  was  seen  in  Bos- 
ton.    The  Review  occupied  about  half  an  hour,  when  the 


WATEK     CELEBRATION. 


17 


troops  moved  from  the  ground,  and  took  the  position  as- 
signed them  at  the  head  of  the  procession.  The  Lancers 
were  placed  at  the  head  of  the  escort.  They  bore  in  their 
ranks  the  colors  of  the  Massachusetts  Volunteers  to  Mex- 
ico. Among  the  companies  under  command  of  Gen.  Ed- 
mands,  besides  the  Light  Infantry  Corps 'of  this  city,  were 
the  Framingham  Light  Infantry  j  the  Brooks  Phalanx,  of 
Medford,  under  command  of  Col.  J.  B.  Winn ;  the  Wor- 
cester Light  Infantry ;  the  Salem  Light  Infantry ;  the 
Salem  Guards ;  the  Marblehead  Light  Infantry ;  the  New- 
buryport  Light  Infantry  ;  the  Halifax  Light  Infantry  ;  the 
City  Guards  of  Manchester,  N.  H.  ;  the  Northampton  Ar- 
tillery^and  the  Roxbury  Artillery,  (acting  as  .Infantry,) 
and  the  Providence  Light  Infantry. 

The  route  of  the  Procession  was  through  Tremont, 
Court,  Cambridge,  Chamber,  Green,  Pitts,  Merrimack, 
Blackstone,  Salem,  Charter,  Hanover,  Richmond,  Com- 
mercial, South  Market,  (around  Faneuil  Hall,)  Merchants' 
Row,  State,  Washington,  Warren,  and  Tremont  Streets, 
to  the  Common,  through  Park  Street  Gate. 

Great  precautions  were  taken  to  keep  the  streets 
through  which  the  procession  passed,  free  from  carriages, 
and  these  were  every  where  successful.  The  windows 
on  the  whole  line  as  it  passed,  were  filled  with  spectators, 
as  were  all  steps  and  balconies  and  side-walks,  and  roofs,, 
where  footing  could  be  found.  Although  there  were  so 
many  persons  in  the  procession,  they  seemed  few,  com- 
pared with  the  numbers  out  of  it.  As  each  successive 
division  of  the  j)rocession  came  in  sight,  it  was  greeted 
with  admiration  by  the  crowds  of  spectators.  It  took 
about  two  hours  for  the  whole  to  pass  a  given  point,  and 
although  the  escort  reached  the  Common  a  little  before 
three,  the  last  part  of  the  procession  did  not  arrive  at 
the  end  of  the  route  until  near  five  o'clock. 

The  several  divisions  in  which  the  procession  was, 
formed,  were  conducted  to  the  sites  allotted  to  them  re- 
spectively, on  the  grounds  surrounding  the  Frog  Pond, 
in  the  centre  of  which  the    Fountain  was  established. 


18  CITYOFBOSTON 

through  which  the  water  was  to  be  introduced  to  the  first 
view  of  the  citizens.  On  the  northerly  side  of  the  pond, 
to  the  extent  of  about  half  its  circumference,  the  grounds, 
by  the  judicious  arrangement  of  the  Chief  Marshal,  had 
been  kept  entirely  clear,  until  occupied  by  the  procession 
moving  in  the  prescribed  order,  to  their  allotted  stations  ; 
while  on  the  other  half,  the  grounds  had  been  for  a  long 
period  entirely  occupied  by  vast  numbers  of  people  of 
both  sexes,  patiently  awaiting  the  arrival  of  the  proces- 
sion, and  the  opening  of  the  fountain.  When  the  last 
divisions  of  the  procession  had  reached  their  stations,  the 
whole  circuit  of  the  pond,  and  the  grounds  arising  from 
it  on  all  sides,  in  irregular  declivities,  forming  an  immense 
amphitheatre,  were  filled  by  a  concourse  of  persons  of  the 
most  orderly  demeanor,  variously  estimated  at  50,000  to 
100,000  in  number.  The  relative  positions  of  the  several 
divisions  of  this  vast  assemblage  are  indicated  by  the  fol- 
lowing diagram.  The  shaded  circle  indicates  the  position 
of  the  fountain ;  and  the  oblong,  that  of  the  platform  on 
which  the  Mayor,  Committee  of  Arrangements,  and  pub- 
lic officers  were  stationed. 


WATER      CELEBRATION. 


19 


The  services  appointed  for  the  occasion,  preliminary  to 
the  introduction  of  water,  were  brief,  and  these  were  cur- 
tailed on  account  of  the  lateness  of  the  hour  at  which  the 
procession  reached  the  spot.     They  were  as  follows : 


20 


CITY     OF     BOSTON 


1.    HYMN. 


BY    GEORGE   RUSSELL,   ESQ. 
Sung  by  the  Handel  and  Haydn  Society  and  Audience. 

TUNE,    "old    hundred." 

Eternal !  uncreated  God  ! 

Source  of  our  being  !  Fount  of  love ! 
Our  songs  ascend  to  thine  abode  ; 

Thou  art  the  joy  of  worlds  above. 

The  Sea  is  thine : — at  thy  command, 
From  darkness  deep,  its  waters  came: 

The  "  Sons  of  God  "  beheld  thy  hand. 
And  in  loud  chorus  praised  thy  name. 

Eivers,  and  lakes,  and  springs  declare. 
That  Thou  art  wise,  and  kind,  and  good  ; 

Both  man  and  beast  thy  bounties  share ; 
Thou  givest  drink : — Thou  givest  food. 

Behold  !  from  yonder  distant  lake, 

A  stream,  our  City  now  supplies  ! 
We  bid  it  welcome  : — come  partake  : 

To-day  its  waters  greet  our  eyes  ! 

Let  old  and  young,  and  rich  and  poor, 

Join  in  one  full  harmonious  song ! 
Let  every  tongue  its  praises  pour, 

And  swell  the  Anthem  loud  and  long ! 

II.  PRAYER  BY  REV.  DANIEL  SHARP,  D.  D. 

Almighty  God  our  Heavenly  Father ;  we  present  ourselves 
before  thee,  on  this  occasion  with  reverence,  with  gratitude  and 
with  thanksgiving.  We  adore  thee  as  the  Creator  of  worlds  and 
of  men.  The  sea  is  thine  and  the  dry  land,  for  thou  hast  made 
them.  And  the  waters  are  thine,  which  spring  up  from  the 
earth,  and  gush  forth  in  pure  and  living  streams. 

We  thank  thee  O  God  that  thou  dost  not  forsake  this  world 
which  thou  hast  made.  Thou  givest  the  early  and  the  latter  rain. 
Thou  visitest  the  earth  and  waterest  it.  Thou  makest  it  soft  with 
showers  ;  thou  blessest  the  springing  thereof.  By  thy  knowledge 
the  depths  are  broken  up,  and  the  clouds  drop  down  the  dew,  that 
the  grass  may  grow,  and  the  earth  bring  forth  its  fruits  in  their 
season. 

O  Lord,  we  have  come  here  to  manifest  our  joy,  that  for  this 
City,  where  multitudes  do  congregate  and  dwell,  channels  have 
been  completed,  through  which  the  streams  of  health,  and  cleanli- 
ness and  comfort,  will  abundantly  and  constantly  flow.  We  bless 
thee,  that  there  has  been  this  wise  forethought  and  this  provident 
care,  for  all  classes  amongst  us. 

Grant  0  Lord,  we  beseech  thee,  that  when  the  water  shall  be- 
gin to  flow,  it  may  flow  on  to  the  end  of  time ;    ministering  to  the 


WATER     CELEBRATION.  21 

gladness  and  purity  of  every  dwelling.  We  pray,  that  unborn 
generations  may  have  cause  to  bless  the  men,  whose  minds  con- 
ceived, whose  tongues  recommended,  and  whose  hands  and  skill 
accomplished  the  glorious  work  of  bringing  this  pure,  sweet,  and 
health  promoting  gift  of  Heaven  to  their  abodes. 

Nor  would  we  be  unmindful  of  other  gifts  of  thy  providence. 
We  thank  thee  for  the  founders  of  this  ancient  Town  ;  and  we 
thank  thee,  for  a  City  Government,  whose  principles  are  law, 
equity,  liberty,  and  order.  We  thank  thee,  that  its  administration 
has  ever  been  intelhgent,  just,  forbearing,  energetic.  We  thank 
thee  for  our  public  schools,  the  glory  of  our  land.  We  thank  thee 
for  our  institutions  of  charity ;  and  for  Christian  churches ;  and 
that  all  sects  have  equal  and  perfect  freedom  to  worship  Thee. 
Above  all,  we  thank  thee  for  the  glorious  gospel,  which  bringeth 
life  and  immortality  to  light. 

These  thanks,  we  offer  to  thee,  O  Lord ;  and  these  blessings 
we  implore,  with  the  forgiveness  of  our  sins,  in  the  name  of  Christ 
our  Lord  and  Saviour.     Amen. 

III.     ODE. 

BY   JAMES   RUSSELL    LOWELL,  ESQ. 
Sung  by  the  School  Children. 

I. 

My  name  is  Water !  I  have  sped 

Through  strange  dark  ways  untried  before, 

By  pure  desire  of  friendship  led, 
Cochituate's  Ambassador ; 

He  sends  four  royal  gifts  by  me. 
Long  life,  health,  peace,  and  purity. 

II. 

I'm  Ceres'  cupbearer ;  I  pour. 

For  flowers  and  fruits  and  all  their  kin, 
Her  crystal  vintage,  from  of  yore 

Stored  in  old  Earth's  selectest  bin, 
Flora's  Falernian  ripe,  since  God 

The  winepress  of  the  deluge  trod. 

III. 
In  that  far  isle  whence,  ironwilled. 

The  new  world's  sires  their  bark  unmoored, 
The  fairies'  acorn  cups  I  filled 

Upon  the  toadstool's  silver  board. 
And,  'neath  Heme's  oak,  for  Shakspeare's  sight. 

Strewed  moss  and  grass  with  diamonds  bright. 

IV. 

No  fairies  in  the  Mayflower  came, 

And,  lightsome  as  I  sparkle  here, 
For  mother  Bay  State,  busy  dame, 

I've  toiled  and  drudged  this  many  a  year, 


22  CITYOFBOSTON 

Throbbed  in  her  Engine's  iron  veins, 
Twirled  myriad  spindles  for  her  gains. 

V. 

I,  too,  can  weave ;  the  warp  I  set 

Through  which  the  sun  his  shuttle  throws. 

And,  bright  as  Noah  saw  it,  yet 

For  you  the  arching  rainbow  glows, 

A  sight  in  Paradise  denied 

To  unfallen  Adam  and  his  bride. 

VI. 

When  winter  held  me  in  his  grip, 

You  seized  and  sent  me  o'er  the  wave, 

Ungrateful !  in  a  prison-ship ; 
But  I  forgive,  not  long  a  slave. 

For,  soon  as  summer  south  winds  blew, 
Homeward  I  fled  disguised  as  dew. 

VII. 

For  countless  services  I'm  fit. 
Of  use,  of  pleasure,  and  of  gain. 

But  lightly  from  all  bonds  I  flit, 
Incapable  as  fire  of  stain ; 

From  miU  and  washtub  I  escape 
And  take  in  heaven  my  proper  shape. 

VIII. 

So  free  myself,  to-day,  elate 

I  come  from  far  o'er  hill  and  mead, 

And  here,  Cochituate's  Envoy,  wait 
To  be  your  blithesome  Ganymede, 

And  brim  your  cups  with  nectar  true 
That  never  will  make  slaves  of  you. 


ADDRESS  BY  NATHAN  HALE, 

ONE    OF    THE    WATER    COMMISSIONERS. 

Mr.  Mayor  and  Gentlemen  : 

The  vast  concourse  of  our  fellow  citizens  here  assem- 
bled testifies  how  deep  an  interest  is  felt,  in  the  event 
which  we  are  met  to  commemorate.  It  is  the  accom- 
plishment of  a  great  public  work  which  is  of  equal  benefit 
to  every  citizen.  It  is  the  supply  of  a  want  common  to 
every  human  being — of  the  pure  element  which  is  an  in- 


WATER      CELEBKATION.  23 

dispensable  ingredient  in  the  ordinary  sustenance  of  life — 
of  an  essential  agent,  for  the  preservation  of  health,  clean- 
liness and  comfort, — for  the  protection  of  our  dwellings 
against  conflagration, — and  for  the  prosecution  of  many 
of  the  arts  of  life, 

Boston,  in  the  periods  of  her  early  history,  was  celebrat- 
ed for  the  abundance  of  her  springs  of  pure  water.  But 
in  the  progress  of  a  great  community,  nothing  essential 
to  its  growth  can  be  stationary,  or  limited.  These  springs 
are  no  longer  suflScient  for  the  nourishment  of  the  vast 
population,  which  commerce,  industry,  and  liberal  insti- 
tutions have  planted  on  this  peninsula.  The  same  prin- 
ciple which  compels  us  to  seek  for  food,  and  for  articles  of 
luxury,  beyond  the  products  of  the  neighboring  country, 
leads  us  to  look  abroad  for  a  more  ample  supply  of  water. 
We  at  the  same  time  avail  ourselves  of  one  of  the  most 
obvious  benefits  of  a  compact  society,  in  making  use  of 
its  combined  resources  to  provide  this  necessary  of  life  to 
every  family,  and  to  relieve  them  from  the  labor  of  draw- 
ing it  from  the  recesses  of  the  earth,  or  of  gathering  it 
in  cisterns,  as  it  falls  from  the  clouds. 

To  enable  our  citizens  to  accomplish  this  object,  the 
Legislature  of  the  Commonwealth,  at  their  request,  grant- 
ed to  them  full  authority,  to  take  the  necessary  measures 
for  supplying  the  City  with  pure  water.  The  execution 
of  that  authority  has  been  conferred  by  you.  Gentlemen 
of  the  City  Council,  upon  the  Water  Commissioners,  who 
are  now  before  you.  It  has  become  my  duty,  in  their 
behalf,  to  state  how  far  the  trust  thus  devolved  upon 
them  has  been  executed. 

We  have  not  been  insensible  to  the  magnitude  of  the 
trust.  We  have  felt  that  the  duty  was  imposed  upon  us 
to  furnish  an  ample  supply,  for  all  the  wants  of  every 
citizen  ;  and  to  draw  it  from  a  source  of  unquestioned 
purity.  We  have  not  been  unmindful  of  the  progressive 
character  of  this  community,  and  of  the  rapid  increase  of 
its  population,  and  its  wants.  The  number  of  our  citizens 
has  been  twice  doubled  within  the  space  of  forty  years, 


24  CITYOFBOSTON 

Euad  it  may  again  be  doubled,  in  the  twenty  years  to 
come.  We  have  looked  therefore  not  merely  to  the  present 
demands  of  the  City  for  water,  but  to  its  prospective 
wants.  jf^ 

We  have  looked  also  to  futurity,  in  determining  the 
character  of  the  works,  which  it  has  been  our  duty  to 
construct.  They  are  built  of  materials  imperishable  in 
their  natm-e,  and  the  principal  works  are  of  a  structure 
which  we  trust  will  be  as  durable  as  time  itself. 

The  source  from  which  the  supply  is  drawn,  is  a  Lake, 
situated  in  an  elevated  part  of  the  country,  twenty  miles 
distant  fi:om  the  City,  remote  from  the  habitations  of 
men,  and  secluded  from  the  seats  of  all  such  occupations 
as  might  subject '  it  to  causes  of  impurity.  The  Lake 
covers  an  area  of  a  mile  square  :  it  is  of  great  depth ;  and 
is  supplied  by  the  rains  which  fall  upon  a  large  surround- 
ing country,  as  well  as  by  springs  and  streams  never 
liable  to  be  rendered  turbid  by  inundation.  Its  banks  are 
mostly  covered  by  a  growth  of  forest  trees,  and  shrub- 
bery :  and  to  secure  it  against  the  intrusion  of  men  or 
animals,  a  margin  of  land,  entirely  surrounding  its  shores, 
has  been  acquired,  and  will  be  separately  enclosed,  as  the 
property  of  the  City. 

The  waters  of  this  Lake  have  flowed  for  ages  through 
a  remote  part  of  the  country,  to  the  ocean.  Their  natu- 
ral outlet  is  now  forever  closed  ;  and  a  new  chaimel  has 
been  formed,  by  the  excavation  of  the  intervening  barrier 
of  earth  and  rock,  for  conducting  them  by  a  gentle  decliv- 
ity to  the  City.  Through  this  channel,  a  covered  aque- 
duct of  brick  masomy  has  been  built,  to  secure  the  flow 
of  a  uniform  current,  sufficient  to  supply  the  wants  "of  the 
City,  even  should  its  population  become  double  its  present 
numbers. 

This  aqueduct,  mstead  of  inviting  admiration,  like 
some  of  the  works  of  ancient  art,  constructed  for  a  similar 
purpose,  is  almost  concealed  from  view,  by  the  earth 
which  has  been  replaced  over  it,  and  the  public  will  he 
left  to  judge  of  its  magnitude  and  difficulty,  and  of  the 


WATER      CELEBRATION.  25 

labor  and  skill  required  in  its  accomplisliment,  chiefly 
from  a  computation  of  its  cost.  Its  value,  however,  will 
be  measured  by  the  degree  in  which  it  shall  accomplish 
its  pm-pose. 

In  those  parts  of  the  work  which  are  exposed  to  view^ 
it  was  decided  to  adopt  a  style  of  architecture,  severe  and 
simple,  indicative  of  a  prudent  economy,  but  at  the  same 
time  such  as  would  not  degrade  the  character  of  a  great 
public  work,  or  give  offence  even  to  a  fastidious  taste. 

The  supply  of  pure  water  thus  conducted  to  the  City 
from  its  secluded  source,  is  not  simply  poured  mto  the 
public  squares  and  market  places,  but  it  is  conveyed 
through  subterranean  passages  to  the  dwellings  of  every 
citizen ;  and  if  they  desire  it.  to  every  one's  chamber  and 
closet.  It  is  not  left  to  be  borne  by  manual  labor,  from 
deep  vaults,  and  sta,gnant  cisterns,  but  it  ascends,  in  obe- 
dience to  a  mysterious  law  of  nature,  to  such  part  of  every 
mansion,  as  its  possessor  may  direct.  Sprung  from  an 
elevated  source,  and  devoted  to  the  service  of  man,  m  the 
supply  of  his  domestic  wants,  it  is  taught  to  mount  again 
to  the  same  elevation,  and  to  mamtain  its  level,  until  it 
shall  have  accomplished  all  the  purposes  to  which  it  is 
destined. 

To  obtam  the  power  of  distribution,  at  all  times, 
throughout  the  elevated  parts  of  the  city,  it  was  necessary 
to  erect  large  reservoirs,  at  an  elevation  of  120  feet  above 
the  sea,  and  nearly  equal  to  that  of  the  original  source. 
One  of  these,  situated  on  the  nearest  neighboring  height 
beyond  the  limits  of  the  city,  is  capable  of  contammg 
100,000,000  of  gallons  of  water,  a  quantity  sufficient  for 
the  uses  of  the  city  for  a  period  of  two  weeks,  should  the 
supply  be  interrupted  by  any  accident  for  that  period. 
Into  this  reservoir  the  aqueduct  is  capable  of  dischargmg 
more  than  10  millions  of  gallons  every  day,  flowing  by  a 
gentle  current — traversing  the  15  miles  of  its  course  m 
less  than  24  hours, — and  falling,  in  that  distance,  about  4 
feet  from  the  level  of  its  original  source. 

The  other  reservoirs,  yet  unfinished,  situated  on  the 


4 


26  CITYOFBOSTON 

most  elevated  points  of  the  old  City,  aud  of  South  Bos- 
ton, will  perform  the  functions  which  belong  to  the  heart 
in  the  animal  system,  forcing  the  life  sustaining  fluid  to 
its  distant  members,  and  transfusing  it  through  intri- 
cate arteries,  to  every  part  of  the  body.  These  reservoirs 
will  be  completed  in  the  course  of  the  ensuing  year. 

From  the  several  reservoirs  the  water  is  conveyed,  not 
only  through  every  street  of  the  City,  but  into  the  house 
of  every  citizen.  The  distribution  by  service  pipes  to 
private  houses,  in  public  works  of  this  nature,  is  usually 
made  at  the  private  cost  of  the  persons  supplied  ;  but  it 
is  here  executed,  in  common  with  the  residue  of  the 
work,  at  the  public  charge,  making  a  very  sensible  in- 
crease of  the  labor  and  cost  of  the  work.  The  tubes 
leading  to  the  central  reservoirs,  and  through  the  streets, 
are  made  of  cast  iron, — a  material  which  long  experience 
has  shown  to  be  best  adapted  to  this  use,  for  its  strength 
and  durability.  They  are  of  the  most  liberal  dimensions, 
and  their  whole  extent  is  more  than  sixty  miles.  The 
smaller  pipes,  by  which  the  water  is  introduced  into  the 
dwellings  of  the  inhabitants,  are  chiefly  of  lead.  It  is  a 
material  more  ductile  than  iron,  and  on  careful  inquiry  it 
has  been  judged,  in  every  respect,  best  adapted  for  this  use. 

The  further  duty  has  devolved  upon  the  Water  Com- 
missioners, of  indemnifying  the  proprietors  of  lands  and 
of  water  rights,  taken  for  the  use  of  the  City,  for  the  in- 
jury which  they  have  suflered,  from  this  appropriation  of 
their  property.  We  have  entered  upon  the  discharge  of 
this  delicate  trust,  with  a  scrupulous  regard  for  the  rights 
of  the  numerous  claimants,  and  with  a  deep  sense  of  the 
obligations  of  equity  and  honor,  which  demand  the  adop- 
tion on  the  part  of  the  City,  of  a  liberal  and  generous 
rule  of  compensation  ;  while  at  the  same  time,  we  are 
bound,  by  a  like  sense  of  justice,  to  resist  claims  which 
may  appear  to  be  extortionate.  Much  progress  has  been 
made  in  the  discharge  of  this  difficult  duty.  The  claims 
for  lands  surrounding  the  Lake,  are  nearly  adjusted,  as 


WATER     CELEBRATION.  27 

are  also  a  large  portion  of  those  for  lands  occupied  by  the 
aqueduct. 

To  obviate  the  necessity  of  fixing  a  valuation  of  the 
water  rights  on  Concord  River,  which  might  have  suffer- 
ed diminution,  from  the  diversion  of  the  waters  of  Co- 
chituate  Lake,  we  have  provided  two  artificial  reservoirs, 
of  great  capacity,  which  will  be  replenished,  during  every 
winter,  and  will  be  capable  of  supplying,  to  the  river, 
far  more  than  an  equivalent,  for  all  the  water  diverted 
from  it  for  the  use  of  the  City. 

Preparatory  to  the  supply  of  Avater  to  the  inhabitants 
of  the  City,  we  have,  in  pursuance  of  the  duty  imposed 
upon  us  by  the  Water  Act,  prepared  a  scale  of  annual 
rents,  to  be  charged  for  the  use  of  it.  It  has  been  decided 
that  the  rents  shall  begin  from  the  1st  of  January  next. 

The  charges  have  been  arranged  upon  the  lowest  scale 
which  can  afibrd  the  promise  of  an  adequate  indemnity 
for  the  cost  of  the  work,  and  at  lower  rates  in  general, 
than  are  paid  for  water  in  any  city  within  our  knowledge. 
It  was  deemed  suitable  that  the  fruits  of  an  enterprise, 
prosecuted  at  the  common  charge  of  all  the  citizens,  and 
for  the  common  benefit,  should  be  enjoyed  by  all,  on  the 
most  liberal  terms,  consistent  with  the  sacred  duty  of 
providing  for  the  debt,  which  is  a  necessary  condition  of 
the  accomplishment  of  the  work. 

It  remains  only  for  me  to  perform  the  grateful  duty,  of 
acknowledging  the  obligations  which  the  Water  Commis- 
sioners are  under,  for  the  cordial  cooperation  of  all  those 
who  have  been  associated  with  them,  in  the  prosecution 
of  the  enterprise.  To  the  skill,  energy  and  assiduity 
of  the  Chief  Engineers,  Messrs.  Whitwell  and  Chesbrough, 
and  of  the  Consulting  Engineer,  Mr.  Jervis,  we  are  emi- 
nently indebted  for  the  promptness  and  success,  with 
which  the  work  has  been  carried  forward,  and  the  satis- 
factory manner  in  which  it  has  been  executed.  We  ac- 
knowledge also  with  much  satisfaction  the  skill,  fidelity, 
and  untiring   industry  of  the  Resident   Engineers,  and 


28  CITYOFBOSTON 

the  hearty  cooperation  of  the  assistants,  and  the  whole 
engineering  corps,  of  both  departments,  by  which  the  suc- 
cessful progress  of  the  work  has  been  most  essentially 
promoted. 

Our  acknowledgments  are  also  especially  due  to  the 
able,  faithful  and  energetic  contractors,  by  whose  agency 
almost  all  the  branches  of  the  work  have  been  executed, 
either  in  the  furnishing  of  materials,  or  the  immediate 
prosecution  of  the  work.  We  were  fortunate  in  meeting 
with  men  in  this  relation,  in  the  various  departments 
of  the  work,  skilled  in  their  respective  duties,  fertile  in 
resources,  and  faithful  to  their  engagements.  The  vigor 
and  perseverance,  displayed  in  the  perforation  of  the  tunnel 
sections,  and  in  laying  the  foundations  of  the  aqueduct, 
through  a  long  extent  of  quicksands,  deserve  especial  com- 
mendation. Every  portion  of  the  work,  we  trust,  will 
bear  perpetual  testimony  to  the  fidelity  of  the  execution. 

To  you,  in  an  especial  manner,  Mr.  Mayor,  to  the  gen- 
tlemen of  the  City  Council,  and  in  particular  to  the  mem- 
bers of  the  Water  Committee,  and  the  Committee  of 
Finance,  we  present  our  most  hearty  thanks,  for  the  firm 
support  which  you  have  afforded  us,  in  the  discharge  of 
our  duties.  Every  assistance  which  we  could  ask  of  the 
Municipal  authorities  has  been  at  all  times  freely  render- 
ed. The  City  Treasurer,  also,  is  entitled  to  our  thanks, 
and  earnest  commendation,  for  the  admirable  regularity 
and  promptness  with  which  payment  has  been  made,  of  the 
orders  of  the  Commissioners,  and  the  ease  and  confidence 
with  which  he  has  enabled  us  to  manage  the  financial 
concerns  of  our  trust.  Under  his  efiicient  administration, 
notwithstanding  the  long  continued  and  severe  pressure, 
on  the  money  affairs  of  the  country,  the  City  Treasury  in 
aid  of  this  work,  has  poured  out  its  resources  like  water. 
We  trust  that  the  vast  expenditure  which  has  been  thus 
made,  will  prove  an  investment,  which  shall  afford  a 
perpetual  revenue  of  benefits,  rivalling  those  of  the  most 
successful  enterprises  of  the  day. 

I  cannot  forbear,  on  this  occasion,  the  expression  of  the 


WATER      CELEBRATION 


29 


warmest  gratitude,  for  the  countenance  and  encourage- 
ment with  which  we  have  been  supported,  and  cheered, 
by  our  fellow  citizens,  in  the  prosecution  of  our  arduous 
duties.  Under  the  smile  of  their  approval,  the  task  has 
been  light,  and  the  labor  a  pleasure.  It  has  been  with 
the  utmost  gratification,  that  we  have  witnessed  the  pa- 
tience and  good  humor,  with  which  every  class  of  citi- 
zens have  submitted,  to  the  endless  inconveniences,  aris- 
ing from  the  necessary  interruptions  of  the  streets,  during 
the  progress  of  the  work.  A  readiness  has  been  mani- 
fested on  all  sides,  to  ascribe  these  inconveniences  to  an 
uncontrollable  necessity,  and  to  submit  to  them  without 
a  murmur. 

A  similar  courtesy  has  been  exhibited,  by  the  citizens 
and  Municipal  authorities  of  Roxbury,  Brookline  and  all 
the  towns  which  are  traversed  by  our  works.  They  ap- 
pear to  have  justly  appreciated  the  importance  of  the  en- 
terprise, and  as  citizens  of  the  Commonwealth,  to  have 
felt  a  common  interest  with  their  brethren  of  the  metro- 
polis, in  its  anticipated  benefits.  May  this  exhibition  of 
kindly  sympathy,  excite  in  our  minds  a  reciprocal  kind- 
ness of  feeling,  and  may  that  Almighty  Being,  who  holds 
the  waters  in  the  hollow  of  his  hand,  and  pours  them 
out  for  the  use  of  his  children,  crown  with  his  blessing 
a  work  which  has  been  accomplished  for  the  common 
benefit  of  a  great  people. 


SPEECH  OP  JOSIAH  GtUINCY,  JR., 

MAYOR    OF    BOSTON. 

Centuries  have  elapsed  since  the  aboriginal  inhabitants 
of  this  land  sought  the  sweet  springs  that  welled  up 
among  these  hills,  and  gave  to  the  place  in  allusion  to 
them  the  name  of  Shawmut.  We  have  come,  fellow 
citizens,  to  witness  the  completion  of  a  work  that  is  to 
give  the  peninsula  a  new  title  to  its  Indian  name. 


30  CITYOFBOSTON 

And  we  have  not  come  alone.  Our  friends,  our  neigh- 
bors, our  fellow  citizens  from  every  part  of  the  State  and 
from  the  whole  of  New  England,  have  assembled  to  sym- 
pathize with  the  joy  of  the  citizens  of  Boston,  as  their 
fathers  rushed  to  their  assistance  in  the  hour  of  peril. 
Every  sect  and  every  party,  every  age  and  every  call- 
ing have  this  day  forgotten  their  distinctions  and  their 
differences,  and  remember  only  that  they  are  children  of  a 
common  parent  who  are  to  receive  a  common  blessing. 
We  have  come  to  congratulate  one  another,  in  what 
this  element  is  to  do  for  health  and  purity,  temperance 
and  safety,  and  to  rejoice  that  these  blessings  are  secured 
to  those  who  shall  inhabit  this  peninsula  forever. 

On  such  an  occasion,  the  most  appropriate  exercise  is  a 
statement  of  the  origin  and  progress  of  the  work,  of  the 
financial  arrangements  that  have  been  made  for  its  con- 
struction, of  the  effect  it  is  to  produce  upon  the  interests 
of  the  city,  and  to  express  our  gratitude  to  those  who 
have  so  efficiently  and  rapidly  hastened  on  its  completion. 

The  subject  of  supplying  the  City  with  water  was 
first  introduced  to  the  attention  of  the  City  Council  by 
Mr.  duincy,  the  second  Mayor  of  the  City,  and  was  again 
and  again  brought  forward  by  his  successors  in  office. 
The  want  of  this  essential  element  for  luxury,  for  com- 
fort, for  health,  and  for  protection  from  fire,  increased 
daily,  and  numerous  projects  were  suggested  for  its 
supply. 

The  present  mode  was  first  proposed  in  the  report  of  a 
Board  of  Commissioners,  consisting  of  Messrs.  Treadwell, 
Baldwin  and  Hale,  in  the  year  1837.  It  was  not  then 
recommended  by  a  majority  of  those  Commissioners,  on 
the  ground  that  the  cost  would  be  greater  than  the  City 
would  be  willing  to  encounter,  and  that  the  wants  of  the 
then  population  would  in  their  opinion  be  supplied  at 
less  expense  from  another  source.  This  mode,  however, 
was  deemed  practicable,  and  the  supply  ample,  and  its 
adoption  was  strongly  recommended  by  Mr.  Baldwin. 


WATER     CELEBRATION.  31 

111  the  year  1844,  this  source  was  more  fully  investigat- 
ed by  a,  new  commission,  consisting  of  Messrs.  Patrick 
T.  Jackson,  Baldwin  and  Hale,  and  was  strongly  recom- 
mended by  them,  as  the  most  satisfactory  of  all  the  modes 
which  had  been  suggested.  It  was  approved  by  the  City 
Government  of  that  year,  and  an  Act  of  the  Legislature 
was  passed,  granting  the  necessary  powers,  subject  to  rat- 
ification by  vote  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  City.  It  was, 
however,  rejected  by  a  majority  of  the  voters,  on  the 
ground  chiefly  that  another  mode  of  supply  was  entitled 
to  a  preference. 

The  City  Council  thereupon  wisely  resolved  to  employ 
two  distinguished  engineers  from  other  States,  to  make  a 
thorough  examination  of  the  two  sources  which  had  for 
a  long  time  engaged  the  attention  of  our  citizens,  to  re- 
port thereon,  and  to  recommend  that  which  in  their 
opinion  was  entitled  to  a  preference.  This  commission, 
after  a  thorough  investigation,  made  an  elaborate  and  sat- 
isfactory report,  in  which  they  adopted  the  plan  which 
had  been  proposed  by  the  former.  In  conformity  with 
this  recommendation,  and  in  compliance  with  the  de- 
clared wish  of  the  citizens,  the  City  Council  directed  the 
Mayor,  to  make  application  to  the  Legislature  for  au- 
thority to  supply  the  City  with  water  from  Long  Pond. 
This  authority  was  granted  by  the  passage  of  the  Act  of 
March,  1846,  conferring  on  the  city  all  the  powers  necee- 
sary  to  take  the  water, — to  convey  it  to  the  City — to 
raise  by  loan  the  funds  necessary  for  defraying  the  cost — 
and  to  make  the  proper  regulations  for  its  distribution. 

For  carrying  these  powers  so  far  as  related  to  the  exe- 
cution of  the  work  into  effect,  the  present  Board  of  Wa- 
ter Commissioners  was  appointed  on  the  3d  day  of  May, 
of  that  year.  They  entered  at  once  upon  the  dicharge  of 
their  duties,  and  with  as  little  delay  as  possible  digested  a 
plan  of  operations  and  appointed  engineers.  For  the  pur- 
pose of  securing  greater  energy  and  a  more  thorough 
supervision,  they  established   two   distinct   departments. 


32  CITYOFBOSTON 

with  a  Chief  Engineer  in  charge  of  each.  One  depart- 
ment was  employed  in  the  construction  of  works  for 
conveying  the  water  of  Cochituate  Lake  to  Brookline, 
and  of  a  reservoir  for  its  reception  at  that  place.  It  was 
the  duty  of  the  other  to  convey  the  water  by  iron  pipes^ 
from  thence  to  the  City,  and  to  superintend  the  construc- 
tion of  reservoirs  on  Beacon  Hill  and  at  South  Boston. 

On  a  thorough  re-survey  of  the  difficult  tracts  of  country 
between  Lake  Cochituate  and  Boston  harbor,  some  ma- 
terial improvements  were  made,  in  the  line  indicated  by 
the  preliminary  surveys.  By  tunnelling  through  two 
hills  in  Newton  and  Brookline,  the  length  of  the  aque- 
duct was  reduced  about  a  mile ;  a  high  and  costly 
embankment  over  lands  of  great  value  in  Brighton  was 
dispensed  with,  and  the  necessity  of  conveying  the  water 
in  pipes  across  the  Brighton  valley  was  avoided. 

The  route  of  the  aqueduct  crosses  the  summit  of  land 
which  intervenes  between  the  Concord  and  Charles  rivers, 
and  also  that  between  the  Charles  river  at  Newton  Lower 
Falls,  and  the  tide  waters  at  Brookline.  In  cutting 
through  these  summits  it  was  found  necessary  to  perfo- 
rate ledges  of  porphyritic  rocks  of  the  hardest  description. 

The  prosecution  of  the  surveys,  and  of  the  other  prepa- 
rations for  the  commencement  of  the  various  branches  of 
the  work,  was  greatly  expedited,  by  the  previous  acquaint- 
ance of  the  Commissioners  with  the  routes  to  be  explored, 
and  with  the  system  of  works  proposed.  They  were  for- 
tunate also,  in  obtaining  the  services  of  engineers,  in 
whose  skill  they  justly  placed  the  utmost  confidence,  and 
who  cordially  cooperated  in  carrying  out  their  views, 
in  an  energetic  prosecution  of  the  work.  Early  attention 
was  paid  to  those  portions  of  the  work  which  would  oc- 
cupy the  longest  period  in  execution,  and  such  arrange- 
ments were  made  that  no  part  of  it  should  be  delayed 
in  waiting  the  completion  of  another. 

The  location  of  the  aqueduct  was  so  far  completed 
that  a  large  portion  of  it  was  put  under  contract  for  the 


WATER      CELEBRATION 


33 


excavation  in  a  little  more  than  three  months  from  the 
appointment  of  the  commissioners.  The  contracts  for 
the  residue  including  the  Tunnel  sections  and  a  large  por- 
tion of  the  iron  pipes  were  made  in  the  same  year. 

The  Aqueduct  of  brick  masonry  extending  from  the 
Lake  to  Brookline,  is  nearly  fifteen  miles  in  length. 
This  structure  is  of  the  oval  form,  approved  by  scientific 
engineers  for"  its  capacity,  in  proportion  to  the  amount 
of  material  used,  and  for  the  adaptation  of  its  shape  and 
dimensions,  to  be  conveniently  entered  for  the  purpose 
of  inspection.  The  bricks  are  laid  in  hydraulic  cement, 
which  acquires  a  hardness  and  tenacity  equal  to  that  of 
brick  or  stone,  and  the  structure  is  consequently  of  great 
strength.  It  is  embedded  throughout  its  entire  length  in 
the  earth,  to  a  depth  in  no  part  less  than  four  feet,  and  is 
in  the  greater  portion  of  its  course,  below  the  natural  sur- 
face of  the  earth,  and  where  it  is  above  this  surface  it  is 
covered  by  a  permanent  embankment. 

The  obstacles  to  be  overcome  have  not  been  of  a  light  or 
trivial  nature.  The  aqueduct  after  leaving  the  gate  house 
at  the  Lake,  follows  up  the  valley  of  Snake  brook  to  a 
dividing  ridge,  that  separates  the  waters  of  the  Charles 
from  those  of  the  Merrimac.  In  this  distance  the  difficul- 
ties encountered  in  the  construction  of  conduit  masonry 
arose  from  the  character  of  the  material  in  the  foun- 
dation, no  less  than  from  the  amount  of  water  to  be  re- 
moved by  pumps.  The  conduit  lies  wholly  in  excava- 
tion, varying  from  fifteen  to  fifty-two  feet  in  depth,  and 
for  three-quarters  of  a  mile  occupies  the  bed  of  Snake 
brook,  at  an  average  level  of  twenty-three  feet  below  the 
ordinary  surface  of  its  waters.  The  narrowness  of  the 
valley  rendered  it  necessary  to  maintain  an  open  channel 
for  this  brook  parallel  to  the  line  and  not  more  than  twen- 
ty-five feet  distant.  From  the  slight  descent  of  the  brook 
and  the  extent  of  the  country  drained  by  it,  it  was  im- 
possible to  prevent  a  periodical  overflow,  which,  as  the 
material  was  quicksand,  produced  the  most  disastrous 
results — the  banks   caving   in   and   covering   unfinished 


84  CITYOFBOSTON 

work,  and  rendering  it  as  difficult  of  completion  as  whett 
it  was  begun. 

At  times  like  these  there  was  no  cessation  of  labor,—" 
night  forces  relieved  day  forces — and  the  five  steam  en- 
gines attached  to  pumps  capable  of  raising  12,000,000  of 
gallons  10  feet  high  in  24  hours,  were  constantly  employ- 
ed, and  at  times  their  extreme  capacity  failed  to  free  the 
excavation.  Unaided  by  steam  this  work  could  not  have 
been  performed  in  less  than  five  years,  and  the  expense  of 
constructing  the  conduit  in  quicksands,  subject  to  inun- 
dations for  that  length  of  time,  would  have  increased  in 
still  greater  proportions. 

In  the  same  section  the  extreme  hardness  of  the  rock 
was  such,  as  to  require  seven  times  the  amount  of  labor 
and  powder,  usually  required  for  the  same  amount  of  rock 
excavation. 

The  Tunnel  excavation,  in  proportion  to  its  extent, 
was  a  work  of  still  greater  difficulty.  It  proved  more  so 
than  was  anticipated,  by  the  unusual  hardness  of  a  por- 
tion of  the  rock  excavated,  and  the  large  quantity  of 
water  which  flowed  from  the'  surface  by  the  seams  of 
the  rock.  The  two .  tunnels,  measuring  3500  feet  in 
length,  were  excavated  in  18  months,  by  separate  parties, 
laboring  at  ten  distinct  shafts  of  from  70  to  75  feet  in 
depth,  and  carrying  forward  the  work  in  each  direction 
from  the  bottom.  Successive  parties  of  miners  relieved 
one  another  three  times  in  each  24  hours,  each  set  of 
laborers  working  eight  hours.  The  water  and  portions  of 
rock  removed  were  chiefly  raised  from  the  shafts  by 
steam  power.  For  the  prompt  execution  of  these  and 
other  difficult  portions  of  the  work,  the  Commissioners 
were  fortunate  in  having  secured  the  services  of  energetic 
contractors. 

Another  principal  branch  of  the  work  consists  of  the 
iron  pipes  for  the  introduction  of  the  water  from  the  reser- 
voir in  Brookline  to  the  city,  and  for  the  distribution  of 
the  water  through  the  streets  to  the  vicinity  of  each 
dwelling.     The  first  class  pipes,  one  36  inches,  and  the 


WATER      CELEBRATION.  35 

Other  30  inches  in  diameter,  are  together  about  50,000 
feet  in  length.  The  other  varies  from  20  to  4  inches  in 
diameter,  and  measures  in  all  280,000  feet  in  length,  ex- 
tending through  nearly  all  the  inhabited  streets  and  courts 
of  the  City,  making  the  aggregate  length  of  iron  pipes 
more  than  60  miles. 

In  addition  to  the  pipes  for  conveying  the  water 
through  the  streets  to  the  vicinity  of  the  dwellings  of  the 
inhabitants,  pipes  have  been  laid  for  conducting  it  from 
the  street  mains  into  the  premises  of  individuals  and 
within  the  walls  of  every  citizen  desiring  to  be  suppli- 
ed. The  aggregate  length  of  this  pipe  already  laid,  is 
nearly  100,000  feet.  This  part  of  the  cost  of  distribu- 
tion is  usually  made  a  charge  on  the  individual  supplied, 
but  as  it  can  be  done  at  less  cost  by  those  charged  with 
the  execution  of  the  main  work,  and  as  it  Avill  prove  an 
inducement  to  a  more  immediate  adoption  of  the  use  of 
the  water  by  all  the  citizens,  the  City  Council  deemed 
it  expedient  that  this  charge  should  be  defrayed  at  the 
public  expense.  It  is  manifest,  however,  that  it  will  add  ■ 
considerably  to  the  aggregate  cost  of  the  work. 

Two  large  and  extensive  structures,  very  important  to 
the  completeness  of  the  system  of  distribution  are  yet  un-  ' 
finished.  Those  are  the  reservoirs  on  Beacon  Hill  and 
on  Telegraph  Hill  at  South  Boston.  On  the  first  of  these 
the  work  is  far  advanced,  but  its  magnitude  is  such  as 
will  prevent  its  completion  before  near  the  end  of  another 
year.  In  obtaining  a  site  for  it,  it  was  necessary  to  re- 
move a  large  public  school  house  and  a  number  of  valua- 
ble private  dwellings. 

For  the  reservoir  at  South  Boston  the  Water  Commis- 
sioners have  made  a  purchase  of  a  tract  of  land,  well 
adapted  to  the  purpose,  in  concert  with  a  committee,  act- 
ing under  the  authority  of  the  City  Council  for  laying  out 
a  public  square  for  the  embellishment  of  that  part  of  the 
City. 

The  land  thus  purchased  is  upon  one  of  the  beautiful 
heights  of  Dorchester*  rendered  celebrated  by  a  memora- 


36 


CITY     OF     BOSTON 


ble  event  of  the  war  of  the  revolution,  and  connected 
inseparably  with  the  name  of  Washington.  The  selec- 
tion of  this  site  for  the  reservoir  is,  not  only  highly 
appropriate  for  the  immediate  objects  for  which  this  struc- 
ture is  designed,  but  it  will  aid  in  carrying  into  effect 
the  desirable  object  of  securing  this  elevated  spot  of 
ground,  as  a  place  of  public  resort  for  the  ornament  of 
the  City, 

The  two  City  reservoirs,  although  not  indispensable 
for  the  distribution  of  the  water  in  all  parts  of  the  City, 
are  yet  necessary  to  the  maintenance  of  such  a  head  of 
water  resting  at  all  times  upon  the  pipes,  as  will  ensure 
an  unremitted  supply  throughout  the  City  at  all  times. 
With  the  aid  of  these  reservoirs,  connected  with  the  dis- 
tributing and  service  pipes,  the  system  promises  to  be  in 
a  high  degree  satisfactory. 

For  the  purpose  of  conveying  a  supply  of  water  to  the 
reservoir  at  South  Boston,  and  keeping  up  a  connexion 
between  it  and  that  on  Beacon  Hill,  it  was  necessary  to 
lay  a  pipe  of  sufficient  capacity  across  the  navigable  chan- 
nel, which  separates  South  Boston  from  the  City  proper  ; 
this  was  a  work  of  some  difficulty.  It  has  been  accom- 
plished by  dredging  a  cavity  of  some  feet  in  depth  below 
the  bottom  of  the  navigable  channel  in  front  of  the  draw 
through  which  vessels  pass,  and  sinking  into  it  a  section 
of  pipe  forty  feet  in  length,  laid  in  a  strong  box  of  wood 
and  iron,  with  the  ends  converged  upward  in  the  form  of 
an  inverted  syphon.  These  ends  are  connected  above 
the  level  of  the  tide  with  pipes  carried  across  the  water 
under  the  bridge,  and  supported  on  piles  in  a  box  filled 
with  materials  suitable  for  its  protection  against  frost. 
This  pipe  is  twenty  inches  in  diameter,  and  the  section 
which  was  sunk  below  the  channel  was  of  a  weight  of 
thirty  tons.  The  depth  to  which  it  is  sunk  is  sufficient 
to  admit  of  its  being  covered  with  earth  for  its  protection 
from  the  keels  of  vessels.  The  pipe  within  the  box  is 
surrounded  with  hydraulic  cement  to  preserve  it  from 
contact  with  the  salt  water. 


WATER     CELEBRATION 


37 


The  various  works  of  masonry,  with  the  exception  of  the 
brick  conduit,  are  chiefly  of  Gluincy  or  Rockport  granite, 
and  are  of  the  most  substantial  description.  Among  these 
are  the  gate  houses  at  Cochituate  Lake  and  at  the  Brook- 
line  reservoir.  These  and  the  other  edifices  requisite  for 
the  protection  of  the  works  for  regulating  the  admission 
and  discharge  of  water,  are  in  a  plain  and  unostentatious 
style  of  architecture,  but  of  tasteful  proportions,  appropri- 
ate to  the  character  of  the  work  of  which  they  form  a 
part.  The  smaller  structures,  for  protecting  the  pipe 
chambers,  waste-weirs,  and  other  entrances  to  the  aque- 
duct, are  of  a  similar  style  of  masonry,  and  to  ensure 
their  greater  safety  and  durability,  the  larger  are  covered 
with  roofs  of  iron,  and  the  smaller  with  stone. 

The  bridge,  composed  of  three  arches  of  thirty  feet 
span  eaah,  and  an  arch  supporting  the  embankment  over 
a  public  road  in  Needham,  are  beautiful  specimens  of  that 
style  of  architecture,  and  of  the  most  durable  character. 
There  is  also  a  large  number  of  culverts  of  the  same 
character  of  strength  and  durability. 

In  addition  to  these  works  for  the  immediate  purposes 
of  supplying  water  to  the  City,  and  for  protecting  the 
main  works  against  injury,  two  other  structures  have 
been  erected,  which  with  their  appendages  are  of  much 
importance. 

These  are  substantial  and  permanent  dams,  for  forming 
reservoirs  to  contain  water,  designed  for  replenishing  Con- 
cord river,  as  a  substitute  for  the  water  of  which  it  will 
be  deprived,  by  the  diversion  of  Cochituate  Lake.  One 
of  these  reservoirs,  at  Whitehall,  in  Hopkinton,  will  cover 
an  area  of  more  than  six  hundred  acres,  and  the  other  at 
Marlborough,  on  a  tributary  of  Elizabeth  river,  an  area  of 
two  hundred  and  eighty.  These  reservoirs,  it  is  an- 
ticipated, will  be  filled  by  the  rains  of  winter,  and  will 
furnish  throughout  the  dry  seasons  of  the  year,  for  the 
use  of  the  Middlesex  Canal,  and  for  the  proprietors  of 
water  privileges  on  the  river,  far  more  than  an  equivalent, 


38  CITYOFBOSTON 

for  the  power  of  which  they  will  be  deprived  by  the 
diversion  of  the  waters  of  the  Lake. 

The  purity  of  the  water  has  also  been  ensured  by  re- 
moving the  objectionable  matter  from  the  space  between 
high  and  low  water  mark,  around  the  entire  margin  of 
the  Lake,  a  distance  of  more  than  thirteen  miles,  and  by 
building  dams  across  the  outlets  of  the  meadows  con- 
nected with  it,  through  which  the  waters  may  pass  by 
filtration,  and  be  thereby  rendered  more  pure.  The  area 
of  the  Lake,  when  raised  to  the  height  intended,  will  con- 
tain two  billions  of  gallons,  above  the  level  of  the  conduit 
by  which  it  is  conveyed  to  Boston.  This  amount  could 
be  increased,  if  required,  from  other  ponds  in  the  neigh- 
borhood, or  from  the  Sudbury  river,  which  can  be  en- 
tirely commanded,  if  needed,  under  the  charter  granted  by 
the  State.  * 

There  are  other  sources  of  satisfaction,  connected  with 
this  work.  Notwithstanding  its  nature,  it  has  been  per- 
formed without  the  stimulus  of  intoxicating  liquor.  It 
has  never  been  suspected  of  being  used  as  a  political  en- 
gine— and  the  hire  of  its  laborers  has  never  been  kept 
back  an  hour.  The  labor  and  materials  have  been  paid 
for  when  performed  and  delivered,  and  there  are  no  out- 
standing debts  for  either,  now  in  existence. 

I  have  spoken  thus  at  length,  fellow  citizens,  of  the 
nature  and  progress  of  this  work.  It  has  been  construct- 
ed with  a  rapidity  unparalleled  in  the  history  of  great 
public  undertakings, — obstacles,  deemed  almost  insur- 
mountable, have  been  overcome — ^the  masonry,  that  is 
buried  deep  and  which  will  never  again  meet  the  eye  of 
man,  is  as  perfect  and  finished  as  that  which  rises  in  eter- 
nal granite  in  our  sight.  Solidity  has  not  been  sacrificed 
to  expedition.  The  rapidity  is  owing  to  the  energy,  the 
genius,  and  the  skill,  of  the  Water  Commissioners,  the 
Engineers,  and  the  Contractors ;  and  they  have  erected 
for  themselves,  in  this  work,  a  monument  as  permanent 
as  the  blessings  they  have  secured. 


StATER     CELEBRATION.  39 

In  the  Charter  of  1845,  it  was  provided  that  in  addition 
to  their  other  duties,  the  Water  Commissioners  should 
borrow  and  expend  money  without  reference  to  the  City 
Council.  This  Charter  was  most  wisely  rejected  by  the 
rieople,  partly  on  the  ground  that  no  one  should  have 
I  he  power  of  involving  the  City  in  debt,  who  was  not 
annually  responsible  to  the  people  at  the  ballot  box. 
The  Commissioners  were  thus  relieved  from  the  labors 
and  anxieties  attendant  on  financial  operations,  in  times 
like  those  that  have  existed  during  the  past  two  years, 
and  have  been  enabled  to  devote  themselves  exclusively 
to  the  forwarding  of  the  work,  without  being  distracted 
by  duties  that  were  always  pressing.  These  duties  have 
devolved  on  the  Committee  on  Finance,  which  consists 
of  the  Mayor  and  seven  members  of  the  Common  Coun- 
cil. As  i;his  point  is  one  of  peculiar  interest,  I  shall  be 
pardoned  for  dilating  upon  it  a  little. 

The  original  estimate  for  this  work  fell  rather  short  of 
three  millions  of  dollars  ;  but  if  we  take  into  considera- 
tion, that  during  its  progress  the  Reservoirs  at  Brookline, 
on  Beacon  Hill  and  at  South  Boston  have  been  quadru- 
pled in  size,  that  the  iron  pipe  has  been  greatly  increased 
in  capacity,  and  carried  into  every  house,  and  compensa- 
tion reservoirs  provided,  we  shall  find  that  the  estimates 
for  the  work,  as  originally  contemplated,  have  not  been 
exceeded.  About  three  millions  have  been  expended 
and  the  amount  required  to  complete  the  reservoirs  and 
distribute  the  water  at  South  Boston,  will,  it  is  estimat- 
ed, amount  to  half  a  million  more.  The  cost,  when  com- 
pleted, will  not  vary  much  from  four  millions  of  dollars. 

The  negotiations  of  this  large  amount  of  money  in 
times  when  famine  and  revolution  abroad  and  change  of 
the  tariff"  at  home,  had  disarranged  all  financial  calculations 
based  on  past  experience  was  arduous  and  perplexing. 

Two  different  agents  were  employed,  to  obtain  the 
money  in  Europe,  but  without  success.  The  loans  have 
been  made  principally  among  ourselves,  and  it  may  be 
satisfactory  to  the  public  to  know,  that  the  average  inter- 


40  CITYOFB03T0N 

est  of  about   three  millions  of  dollars,  is  less  than  6  per 
cent. 

This,  although  a  much  lower  rate  than  has  been  paid 
by  any  other  corporation,  is  higher,  in  the  opinion  of  the 
Committee,  than  would  be  required  in  ordinary  times  on 
the  securities  of  the  City  of  Boston.  They  have,  there- 
fore, under  the  authority  given  by  the  Legislature,  bor- 
rowed as  a  temporary  loan,  payable  within  five  years, 
about  f  1,700,000,  being  confident  that  before  'the  expira- 
tion of  the  time,  loans  could  be  made  at  a  much  lower 
rate  of  interest,  and  being  satisfied  that  the  low  price  of 
labor  and  materials,  arising  from  the  financial  pressure, 
has  more  than  counterbalanced  the  rate  of  interest  for  so 
short  a  period.  Should  their  views  be  carried  out,  and 
the  loans  made  to  fall  due  in  moderate  amounts  annually, 
they  may  be  extinguished  by  the  sales  of  public*  lands. 

In  this  connection  it  may  be  well  to  remark  that  the 
lands  belonging  to  the  city  amount  to  about  5,000,000 
square  feet.  Those  at  the  south  part  of  the  city  are  now 
being  graded  and  put  in  order  for  the  market  at  consider- 
able expense — an  expense,  however,  of  which  the  interest 
will  be  more  than  covered  by  the  rents  of  wharf  property, 
and  by  incidental  advantages  resulting  from  the  private 
railway  erected  for  the  purpose. 

When  these  lands  are  prepared,  if  annual  sales  are  made 
to  pay  the  debt  as  it  falls  due,  it  will  be  but  a  few  years 
before  the  water  will  be  paid  from  this  source  alone, 
and  the  water  will  either  be  distributed  without  cost,  or 
become  a  permanent  source  of  increasing  income  to  the 
City. 

When  we  consider  the  fact  that  so  great  part  of  our 
territory  is  reclaimed  from  the  sea,  and  such  a  large  ad- 
dition will  be  made  by  filling  the  Back  Bay,  and  render- 
ing what  is  now  a  nuisance,  an  ornament  to  the  City ;  and 
when  we  reflect  that  without  this  supply  of  water,  these 
lands  would  be  of  little  value,  and  almost  uninhabitable, 
we  cannot  but  feel  that  the  prosperity  of  this  City  will 
derive  an  incalculable  impulse  from  this  source,  and  that 


WATER     CELEBRATION.  41 

without  it,  those  whose  labors  will  contribute  to  our 
wealth,  must  reside  out  of  our  territorial  limits. 

In  this  connection,  I  cannot  but  speak  of  the  great  and 
only  objection  that  can  be  raised  to  this  enterprise, — its 
expense.  As  I  have  before  stated,  the  whole  expenditure, 
when  completed,  will  fall  short  of  |4,000,000.  The 
interest  on  this  is  f  240,000  a  year,  from  which  is  to  be 
deducted  the  amount  of  water  rents.  Pipes  from  the 
mains,  are  inserted  at  the  expense  of  the  city  into  every 
house.  The  water  rent  is  placed  at  a  price  that  renders 
it  economical  for  every  one  to  take  it.  All  citizens, 
whether  they  take  it  or  not,  will,  after  the  expiration  of 
two  years  from  the  completion  of  the  work,  be  obliged 
to  make  up  the  deficiency  of  the  rent  in  the  general  tax. 
All  therefore  are  called  upon  by  the  natural  desire  of 
enjoying' what  they  are  obliged  to  pay  for,  from  economy 
and  from  public  spirit,  to  take  the  water  and  receive  a 
blessing,  which,  after  enjoying  it  for  one  year,  neither 
they  nor  their  families,  would  abandon  for  ten  times  its 
cost.  If  it  is  generally  used,  the  tax  will  be  a  burthen 
on  no  one  at  present,  the  city  lands  will  rapidly  extin- 
guish the  principal,  and  our  posterity  will  enjoy  free 
water  on  a  free  soil. 

The  act  authorizing  the  construction  of  this  aqueduct 
renders  it  impossible  for  the  City  Council,  or  even  for  the 
Legislature,  to  render  the  water  free  until  the  debt  is  paid. 
By  it  a  lien  is  given  to  the  holders  of  the  scrip  issued  for 
its  payment  on  the  water  rents.  And  in  case  the  Sur- 
preme  Court  should  decide  that  they  were  reduced  too 
low  by  the  Council,  they  have  the  power  on  application 
of  one  hundred  legal  voters,  to  appoint  commissioners,  and 
fix  the  rate  on  such  a  basis,  as  to  them  may  seem  proper, 
for  carrying  out  the  intention  of  the  Legislature,  in  giv- 
ing to  the  lenders  this  species  of  security  for  their  money. 

I  have  thus  spoken  of  the  origin  and  the  progress  of 
the  work,  and  of  the  financial  arrangements  for  the  pay- 
ment of  the  interest  and  the  extinction  of  the  debt. 


• 


43  CITYOFBOSTON 

There  are  no  works  of  man  so  permanent  as  those  con- 
nected with  the  supply  of  water.  Traces  remain  of  the 
aqueducts  of  Greece  and  Rome.  The  well  of  Sychar 
which  Jacob  dug,  and  drank  of  with  his  children  and  his 
cattle,  and  which  quenched  the  thirst  of  him  who  brought 
the  living  water,  still  yields  its  treasures  to  the  weary 
Arab.  Like  the  generations  of  men,  a  constant  succession 
in  this  stream  will  make  it  permanent,  and  we  cannot  but 
believe,  that  they  who  centuries  hence,  occupy  the  three 
hills  of  Boston,  will  look  back  with  gratitude  to  the  men 
of  this  age,  whose  foresight  and  energy  secured  an  un- 
failing wellspring,  for  themselves  and  their  descendants. 

But  of  all  the  inhabitants  there  will  be  none  Avho  will 
more  fully  appreciate  the  blessing  than  those  who  like 
ourselves  have  felt  its  want.  I  would  therefore  in  behalf 
of  the  citizens  of  Boston  express  our  obligations  to  those 
to  whom  we  are  indebted  for  its  early  supply. 

To  the  Water  Unions,  for  the  concerted  action  that 
aroused  the  attention  of  the  public,  and  caused  effectual 
steps  to  be  taken. 

To  the  State,  for  the  charter  given  by  her  Representa- 
tives, enabling  us  to  go  into  the  very  heart  of  the  Com- 
monwealth and  appropriate  for  this  purpose  the  waters  of 
Lake  Cochituate,  and  of  all  streams  and  sources  within 
four  miles  of  the  same — ^but  why  should  she  not  have 
granted  it  ?  This  spot  is  proud  of  emphatically  belonging 
to  Massachusetts.  We  are  honored  as  being  her  capital, 
and'  we  derive  the  strength  and  enterprise  that  distin- 
guishes us,  from  her  sons ;  this  peninsula  is  the  point  to 
which  their  wealth  and  their  energies  particularly  concen- 
trate, and  of  the  Merchant  Princes,  whose  palaces  stand 
around  us,  few  were  the  native  born  citizens  of  Boston. 
They  have  come  from  every  valley  and  hill  side  of  New 
England — and  in  providing  for  the  health  and  beauty  of 
their  metropolis,  the  Legislature  have  conferred  a  favor 
upon  every  inhabitant  of  the  State,  for  there  is  no  one 
who  is  not  directly  or  indirectly,  by  himself  or  his  friends, 
connected  with  the  City  of  Boston. 


WATER     CELEBRATION, 


43 


Next  to  the  State  that  gave  us  the  power,  our  thanks 
are  particularly  due  to  those  who  have  been  intrusted 
with  the  executive  management  of  this  work.  To  the 
Water  Commissioners,  for  their  constant  and  judicious 
labors.  To  the  Consulting  and  Resident  Engineers,  for 
their  scientific,  unwearied  attention  ;  and  to  the  Con- 
tractors, who  have  gone  forward  with  untiring  zeal. 
From  the  moment  of  its  commencement,  the  work  has 
been  unintermitted,  by  day  and  by  night,  from  noon  to 
midnight,  and  from  midnight  to  noon,  the  labors  ol  the 
hammer  and  of  the  spade  have  been  incessant.  The  only 
hours  of  rest  were  those  of  which  it  has  been  said,  "  in 
them  thou  shalt  do  no  manner  of  work." 

Such  labors  have  produced  the  most  rapid  and  satisfac- 
tory results.  But  two  years  and  two  months  have 
elapsed,  since,  as  representative  of  the  city,  I  had  the  honor 
of  removing  the  first  sod,  and  commencing  the  undertaking. 
The  second  was  lifted  by  the  venerated  hand  of  him  who 
has  since  fallen,  like  Chatham,  at  his  post,  and  whom 
with  the  eye  of  faith  we  now  behold,  in  the  great  com- 
pany of  those  who  partake  of  the  River  of  Life  freely. 
Had  he  been  permitted  to  witness  the  conclusion,  as  he 
did  the  commencement  of  this  enterprise,  and  to  stand 
here  to  see  an  assembled  people  waiting  for  the  gush  of 
water,  how  would  the  imagination  of  the  old  man  have 
gone  back,  over  the  lapse  of  ages,  to  the  Hill  in  Horeb. 
He  would  have  told  us  that  the  existence  and  attributes  of 
the  Deity  were  more  fully  proved  by  a  scene  like  this, 
than  when  by  the  suspension  of  his  Jaws  he  provided  by  a 
single  act  for  a  single  people.  That  His  wisdom  had,  in  eve- 
ry land,  prepared  among  the  hills  the  receptacles  of  water. 
That  His  Power  had  giveii,  fixed  and  permanent  laws  to 
the  most  unstable  of  elements.  That  His  Goodness  en- 
abled his  intelligent  offspring  to  understand  and  avail 
themselves  of  its  use.  Thus  giving  the  blessings  of  water 
as  truly,  now,  to  all  his  children  as  he  did  to  the  chosen 
few,  when,  by  the  rod  of  his  servant,  he  satisfied  their 
thirst. 


44 


CITY      OF      BOSTON 


Fellow  Citizens,  our  great  work  is  accomplished. 
"  Our  bread  shall  be  given  us,  our  water  is  made  sure." 

The  lateness  of  the  hour  having  required  the  omission 
of  a  part  of  these  performances,  as  the  sun  was  then 
approaching  the  horizon,  the  Mayor,  addressing  the  as- 
sembly, asked  if  it  were  their  pleasure,  that  the  water 
should  now  be  introduced.  An  immense  number  of  voices 
responded  "  aye  ;"  whereupon,  on  the  signal  of  the  Chief 
Engineer,  the  fountain  gate  was  gradually  opened,  and 
the  water  began  to  rise,  in  a  strong  column,  increasing 
rapidly  in  height,  until  it  reached  an  elevation  of  about 
eighty  feet.*  The  jet,  at  the  orifice,  was  six  inches  in 
diameter,  and  as  the  air  was  still,  it  rose  in  nearly  a  com- 
pact body,  to  the  full  height  and  fell  gracefully  on  all  sides 
in  a  regular  form,  exhibiting  a  power  and  beauty,  which 
produced  an  evident  surprise  on  the  whole  of  the  expectant 
multitude.  After  a  moment  of  silence,  shouts  rent  the 
air,  emphatically  attesting  the  universal  joy,  in  witness- 
ing this  proof  of  the  actual  attainment  of  the  object  of  so 
long  cherished  hopes.  The  profusion  with  which  the 
desired  treasure  was  poured  out  gave  manifest  satisfaction, 
as  an  earnest  of  the  abundance  of  the  future  supply. 

At  that  riioment,  the  choir  of  children  and  others  sta- 
tioned near  the  fountain,  sung  the  following  words. 

Thanks  be  to  God !  He  laveth  the  thirsty  land.  The  waters 
gather;  they  rush  along;  they  are  lifting  their  voices.  The 
stormy  billows  are  high,  their  fury  is  mighty :  But  the  Lord  is 
above  thera,  and  Almighty. 

The  sun  was  just  sinking  below  the  horizon,  and  its 
last  rays  tinged  the  summit  of  the  watery  column.  The 
bells  began  to  ring — cannon  were  fired — and  rockets 
streamed  across  the  sky.  To  the  multitude  around,  the 
scene  was  one  of  intense  interest  and  excitement,  which 
it  is  impossible  to  describe,  but  which  no  one  can  forget. 

*  It  has  been  ascertained  by  experiments  and  measurements  since  made,  that  a  jet  of 
three  inches  diameter  rises,  in  a  quiet  atmosphere,  to  a  height  of  ninety  feet.  The  six 
inch  column,  and  the  spreading  jet,  rise  to  a  less  height. 


WATERCELEB  RATION.  45 

Aftii  i lie  first  moment  of  surprise  most  of  the  spectators 
locke.i  uround  upon  their  neighbors — some  laughed  aloud 
— the  men  swung  their  hats  and  shouted — and  some 
even  wept. 

After  the  playing  of  the  fountain  in  this  form,  for  a 
short  time,  the  water  was  shut  off,  and  a  new  fixture  be- 
ing attached  to  the  fountain,  a  jet  was  produced* of  a 
different  form,  by  which  a  profusion  of  water  was  spread, 
by  a  current  of  similar  force,  over  a  wide  space.  Several 
successive  changes  in  the  form  of  the  fountain,  were  sub- 
sequently exhibited,  until  the  shades  of  evening  began  to 
descend  upon  the  scene.  In  one  of  the  intervals,  for  mak- 
ing the  change  in  the  play  of  the  fountain,  the  Mayor  ad- 
dressed the  pupils  of  the  Public  Schools  who  were  sta- 
tioned within  hearing,  to.  the  following  effect  :  "  Boys, 
there  will  be  no  school  tomorrow,  and  the  fountain  will 
play  all  day."  The  hearty  res*ponse  of  some  thousands 
of  youthful  voices,  to  this  announcement,  may  well  be 
imagined.  The  assembly  withdrew  gradually  and  qui- 
etly from  the  scene,  but  many  lingered  for  the  purpose  of 
viewing  the  more  brilliant  display  of  fireworks,  which 
were  in  preparation,  to  be  lighted  up,  as  soon  as  the  day- 
light should  be  sufiiciently  withdrawn,  to  admit  of  their 
being  exhibited  to  advantage.  These  preparations  were 
made  under  the  direction  of  Mr.  Hovey,  and  they  added 
an  appropriate  finish  to  the  exhibition.  Among  the  prin- 
cipal pieces,  was  one  extending  over  the  Pond  from  each 
side  of  the  staging,  in  the  form  of  arches.  On  either  side 
were  the  inscriptions, 

"  CocHiTUATE  Water  introduced,  Oct.  25,  1848." 

"  JosiAH  QuiNcy,  Jr.,  Mayor." 

"  Hale,  Baldwin,  and  Cuetis,  Commissioners." 

A  circle  of  Bengal  lights  around  the  fountain,  produced 
a  beautiful  effect.  This  exhibition  terminated  at  an  early 
hour ;  when  the  crowd  withdrew  from  the  Common  to 


46  CITYOFBOSTON 

their  homes,  or  quietly  to  observe  the  brilliant  illun'ma- 
tions,  in  various  parts  of  the  city.  Many  of  these  were  ex- 
tremely beautiful,  combining  in  fanciful  and  tasteful 
forms,  thousands  of  lights.  Among  the  more  striking, 
were  those  at  the  Tremont  House,  the  United  States  Ho- 
tel ,the  Revere  House,  the  Adams  House,  the  Marlborough 
Hotel,  the  City  Hall,  the  office  of  the  Gas  Works,  and 
many  other  public  houses,  offices,  and  private  dwellings. 
In  some  of  the  streets  the  illumination  was  general,  for  a 
considerable  extent,  embracing  both  dwelling  houses  and 
places  of  business.  Single  buildings,  or  several  buildings 
in  groups,  were  brilliantly  illuminated,  in  almost  all  parts 
of  the  city.  Rockets  were  discharged  from  several  parts 
of  the  city,  and  Bengal  lights  and  other  fireworks  were 
exhibited. 

Few  instances  have  occurred  in  the  city,  of  so  universal 
a  holiday,  and  yet  there  ^as  no  general  public  entertain- 
ment. The  whole  attraction  was  out  of  doors,  and  the 
weather  being  beautiful,  and  the  temperature  delicious, 
every  one  was  abroad.  No  one  lingered  at  the  festive 
board,  but  all  joined  in  the  public  procession,  or  were 
anxious  to  be  among  the  spectators  of  it,  and  of  the  scene 
which  was  to  succeed,  and  to  crown  the  exhibition  of 
the  day.  Vast  numbers  of  visitors  from  neighboring 
towns  and  cities,  and  even  from  a  distance,  were  parties 
and  spectators.  The  whole  was  conducted  with  admira- 
ble order  and  regularity.  There  was  no  disorder,  and  no 
confusion.  In  producing  this  result,  much  was  due  to  the 
judicious  arrangements  and  foresight  of  the  City  Marshal, 
and  of  those  who  assisted  him,  and  to  the  energy  with 
which  his  regulations  were  carried  into  effect. 

The  absence  of  all  disorder  and  confusion,  is  the  more 
deserving  of  remark,  from  the  unprecedented  number  of 
strangers,  as  well  as  citizens,  who  were  witnesses  of  the 
spectacle.  The  seven  railroads  which  terminate  in  the  city, 
and  the  vast  number  of  omnibuses  and  other  vehicles 
from  the   neighboring  towns,  brought  together,  it  is  pre- 


47 

siiLCu,  c^^U'.ater  numoer  of  persons  from  abroad  than 
u'-ere  ever  before  assembled  here.  The  railroads  brought 
niany  thousands  of  passengers  each,  and  most  of  the 
;arriages  and  trains  were  crowded  to  their  full  capacity, 
without  being  able  to  contain  all  who  desired  to  come  ; 
and  many  thousands  were  conveyed  in  the  same  way 
io  their  homes,  many  miles  distant  from  the  city,  on 
the  same  evening.  Notwithstanding  this  concourse  of 
passengers,  and  the  demand  for  extra  trains,  and  crowded 
carriages,  there  Avas  happily  no  instance  of  personal  in- 
jury. 

The  extreme  length  of  the  procession,  and  the  vast 
number  of  persons  to  be  marshalled,  necessarily  occupied 
much  time,  and  protracted  the  proceedings  to  a  late  hour 
of  the  day.  The  whole,  however,  was  accomplished 
without  "confusion,  and  although  the  Police  discharged 
their  duty  faithfully,  it  was  manifest  that  it  was  the  uni- 
versal disposition  for  order,  so  creditable  to  the  immense 
assemblage,  and  not  the  power  of  the  Police,  that  kept 
every  individual  in  his  place,  and  carried  into  effect  the 
prescribed  regulations. 

The  attractions  of  the  illuminated  streets  detained 
much  greater  numbers  abroad,  to  a  late  hour  in  the  eve- 
ning, than  is  usual  on  holiday  occasions.  Yet  decorum 
prevailed  in  every  part  of  the  city  ;  persons  of  all  descrip- 
tions perambulated  the  streets  without  annoyance  or  ap- 
prehension,— there  was  no  exhibition  of  drunkenness  or 
rioting, — and  there  was  no  unusual  occupation  of  the 
Police  Magistrates  on  the  succeeding  day. 

It  was  a  day  which  had  been  anticipated  with  deep 
interest, — it  disappointed  no  expectations, — it  was  passed 
in* social  enjoyment,  with  the  exhibition  of  a  universal 
kindly  feeling.  No  untoward  event  marred  the  pleasures 
of  the  occasion, — and  it  will  long  be  remembered  with 
pleasure,  by  the  citizens,  and  many  thousands  of  visitors, 
as  marking  the  realization  of  a  long  desired  event.  Long 
may  the  inhabitants  of  the  city  enjoy  the  benefits  of  the 
common  blessing,  thus  auspiciously  introduced,  and  thus 


48  CITYOFBOSTON. 

received  with  immense  rejoicing;  May  they  and  their  de- 
scendants for  ages  to  come,  drink  of  the  waters  now  for 
the  first  time  introduced  to  their  dwellings,  and  may  the 
works  of  art  by  which  they  are  conducted  from  their  dis- 
tant source,  prove  as  durable  as  the  law  of  nature  by 
which  they  are  bidden  to  flow. 


BOSTON  COLLEGE 


3  9031    028  25727  7 


